The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expects a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) shipments as Subic strengthens its position as a major automotive logistics and distribution hub in the Philippines.
SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Operations and Logistics Ronnie Yambao said Subic Bay’s strategic location, modern port facilities, and Freeport status offer competitive advantages for EV importation, distribution, and related logistics operations.
The Port of Subic recently welcomed its first shipment from a major EV brand, consisting of 80 brand-new hybrid vehicles and 20 fully electric vehicles.
The units will be delivered to accredited dealerships in the coming weeks, with the consignee targeting shipments of more than 500 vehicles weekly or over 2,000 monthly, generating projected revenues of ₱6.8 million per month.
Yambao said the anticipated growth could open opportunities in cargo handling, warehousing, customs brokerage, fleet distribution, EV components, battery logistics, and regional re-export operations.
“Another significant opportunity lies in re-export and regional logistics, by exploring avenues to consolidate and transfer eligible vehicle shipments to other markets, in compliance with customs and trade regulations,” he said.
The expansion comes amid the rapid growth of the Philippine EV market, with electric and hybrid vehicles accounting for 24.7 percent of nationwide vehicle sales from January to August 2026, up from 12 percent in 2025 and four percent in 2024.
Department of Energy data showed that 66,685 EVs were sold during the eight-month period, comprising 29,649 plug-in hybrids, 20,716 hybrid vehicles, and 16,320 battery electric vehicles.
Supporting the country’s shift toward sustainable transportation, SBMA has deployed electric buses for public transportation within the Freeport.
Five to six major public and private EV charging stations have also been installed across the zone, reinforcing SBMA’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
With growing demand for cleaner transportation, Subic Bay is positioning itself as a key gateway for EV imports, distribution, and logistics in the country.
Photo: Plugshare | ACEA
