Sales of electrified vehicles (xEVs) in the Philippines more than doubled in the first half of 2026, closing in on conventional passenger car sales, according to data from Philstar Biz. The surge comes despite an 11 percent year-on-year decline in total automotive sales during the same period.

Industry figures show that xEV registrations reached nearly half the volume of traditional passenger cars in the first six months. The sharp growth reflects increasing consumer interest in hybrid and electric models, supported by expanded model availability and government incentives for cleaner vehicles.

The overall market slowdown was attributed to tighter financing conditions and higher vehicle prices, but the xEV segment's resilience signals a structural shift. Analysts expect the trend to accelerate as charging infrastructure improves and more affordable models enter the market.