Amid record pump prices and national energy concerns, Filipino drivers are reconsidering traditional gasoline vehicles. This economic pressure is accelerating the interest and adoption of electric and hybrid cars in the Philippines.

When Filipino motoring journalist James Deakin recently posted a photo of his fuel receipt – more than 4,000 pesos (US$67) after topping up on nearly 39 litres – his message to followers was blunt: “I’m seriously looking at an EV [or] hybrid now. What’s your breaking point?” He is far from alone. As the Philippines grapples with a national energy emergency triggered by the war in Iran, record pump prices are forcing consumers to rethink their transport methods, and Vietnamese electric vehicle...