BoI okays local production of EV chargers, retrofit kits

This will play a major part in the development of EV in the country as we gradually begin the transition from fossil-fueled cars to environment-friendly vehicles

Following the assurance of support made by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Board of Investment (BoI) has recently approved the application of a Filipino manufacturer of fast chargers for EV and retrofit kits on a non-pioneer status.

In a statement, the BoI gave the nod to CHRG Electric Vehicle Technologies Inc., under the current Investments Priorities Plan listing of Innovation Drivers.

Under the Innovation Driver category, it covers the commercialization of new and emerging technologies and products of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) or government-funded research and development (R&D) such as hardware or software for the upgrading of local industries.

With this, Trade undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo is eyeing the CHRG project to boost the recent tie-up between the DoST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies in putting together a public compendium of homegrown technologies that are ready for adoption and commercialization in fostering inclusive innovation.

Homegrown technologies

“We look forward that homegrown technologies like this will play a major part in the development of electric vehicles in the country as we gradually begin the transition from fossil-fueled cars to environment-friendly vehicles and aspire to be a manufacturing hub for the EV components,” Rodolfo said.

To recall, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez made an assurance that the government is committed to support the Philippine EV industry, particularly in helping manufacturers to meet the increasing demand, as the country now has 50 industry players that can produce a capacity of 150,000 units per year, with a project cost of P1.305 billion to produce a wide range of electric vehicle products.

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