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Many developing countries are experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to increased demand for mobility, with associated environmental concerns such as acute air pollution and economic impacts related to oil imports. Electrifying transportation is the most efficient way to power mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from this sector. From motorcycles to cars to buses, EV adoption is gaining traction in many markets, but important challenges remain to reach scale and to manage this transition in a just and sustainable way. The electrification of transportation presents a dual opportunity for developing countries: the economic opportunity that engaging in EV production represents, and the climate and health-related benefits that adopting EVs can bring.

While the EV future brings many promises, it also raises questions for decision makers in policy, workforce education and training, and innovation. Understanding broader EV market trends, as well as the key levers to accelerate this transition, are top concerns for many stakeholders in the Philippines. Equipping people with the right skills to fully participate in the EV economy today, and tomorrow, is crucial to support a “just transition” to e-mobility. This principle means ensuring the shift to low-carbon economies brings benefits that are shared across society and that no community or region is left behind.

Through this new project, WDI is conducting research on the EV market in the Philippines and examining implications for companies, workers, training institutions and policy makers working towards an e-mobility future. WDI will identify potential areas of focus for key players seeking to support workforce development and e-mobility innovation, based on current strengths and gaps, as well as areas of anticipated market growth. In addition, WDI will highlight the implications of the shift to e-mobility for people directly impacted—from drivers to workers, technicians, and users—to help mitigate negative impacts and expand opportunity for all.

Based in Manilla, ADB invests in transportation across its developing member countries to reduce energy consumption and promote the shift to zero emission transport systems. With locations in the United States and the Philippines, APLFI is committed to uplifting communities in both countries through education, healthcare and sustainable innovation.

“EVs have a very bright future to improve mobility solutions, while cleaning the air and emitting less CO2,” said James Leather, Chief of the Transport Sector Group at ADB.

“To accelerate the transition and EV uptake, capacity in a range of areas is required, including technical skill development for a just transition in vehicle manufacture and servicing; pilot operations to ensure robust business models; and development of suitable financial mechanisms for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Overcoming barriers to entry will ensure a cleaner transport future.”

Among other areas of work, WDI’s Energy and Mobility team has previously partnered with the State of Chihuahua, Mexico—a region with a heavily automotive and supplier manufacturing base increasingly looking to transition toward an e-mobility future. The collaboration resulted in the Chihuahua Charging Forward project. In that initiative and related work, WDI’s Energy & Mobility team partnered with local economic development organizations, companies, researchers and innovators along the EV value chain.

“The next few years will be critical to advance the transition to e-mobility around the world, and players from all sectors are taking action now to shape future outcomes,” Páez said. “While this transition poses particular challenges for resource-constrained countries, it also presents unique opportunities.”