Navigating Metro Manila traffic can be challenging, and the number coding scheme adds another layer of complexity for vehicle owners. Recently, confusion arose, especially with the increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles. Many car buyers were led to believe that mild hybrid vehicles automatically qualify for number coding exemption. However, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified that not all hybrid vehicles are exempted.
The core of the issue lies in the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which provides guidelines for exemptions. To clear the air and provide accurate information to the public, the Department of Energy (DOE) has released an updated list of recognized electric vehicles as of October 1, 2023. This list specifies vehicles that qualify for exemptions, including the number coding scheme.
According to the DOE, electric vehicles are defined as “vehicles with at least one electric drive for vehicle propulsion.” The list categorizes vehicles into four types: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs).
If you are considering purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle with the benefit of number coding exemption in mind, it is crucial to verify if the specific model is included in this official DOE list. Here is the breakdown of exempted vehicles as of October 1, 2023:
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV)
Alt text: The 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle, a model included in the Philippines’ list of coding-exempt hybrid cars.
- Great Wall Motor (GWM) Jolion
- Great Wall Motor (GWM) Haval H6 Supreme/Max
- Honda CR-V e:HEV
- Lexus ES300h
- Lexus IS300h
- Lexus LS500h
- Lexus NX350h
- Lexus RX350h
- Lexus RX500h
- Lexus UX250h
- Mazda CX-60
- Mazda CX-90
- Nissan Kicks e-POWER
- Toyota Alphard HEV
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla Altis
- Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
- Toyota Innova Zenix HEV
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Yaris Cross HEV
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)
Alt text: The Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle navigating Manila streets, recognized as coding-exempt in the Philippines.
- BMW XM
- BYD Tang Dual Hybrid Mode
- Chery Tiggo 8 Pro e+
- Jaguar F-PACE P400e
- Mitsubishi Outlander
- Range Rover P400e
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)
Alt text: The BMW iX3 Battery Electric Vehicle, featured in the Philippines’ Department of Energy list of electric vehicles exempted from number coding.
- Ankai HFF6120G9EV21
- Ankai Hff6855G03EV12
- Audi Q8 e-tron 50 Advance quattro
- Audi Q8 e-tron 55 quattro
- Basic Geep Iconic
- Basic Geep Love Ebus
- Basic Geep Multi Purpose Electric Vehicle (MPEV)
- BEMAC E200W-SALT (BEMAC 68VM)
- BMW iX3 M Sport
- BMW i7 xDrive60
- BMW i7 xDrive60
- BYD Atto 3
- BYD Dolphin
- BYD Han
- BYD Tang
- BYD T3
- Changan EADO 460
- DECC e-J
- DECC Vihari
- DECC Yuvan 2020
- DECC Yuan 2024
- Dongfeng Rich 6
- Dongfeng EV30
- Dongfeng EV35
- Dongfeng EV45
- Dongfeng EC31
- Dongfeng EC35
- Dongfeng EC36
- DFSK Mini EV
- EGV5000 Series 2023 model
- GET Comet 3.1 Model
- Gogoro Delight
- Gogoro 2
- Gogoro SuperSport
- King Long XG3000DQZK-7K(S9-B)
- Helmarv Mini EV
- Helmarv EV400-L400
- Huaxin Jeep
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Jetour Ice Cream
- Kia EV6
- Kia EV9
- Lexus RZ450e
- Nissan Leaf
- Nwow Warrior
- Nwow DCY
- Nwow TI0-A
- Porsche Taycan 4S
- Renault Twizy
- Segway E110L
- Segway E200P One
- Segway N100
- Segway E300SE
- Suzhou Electric Manufacturing EG6023H01
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Tojo Motors Haribon
- Tojo Motors Lawin
- Tojo Motors Lawin 1
- Tojo Motors Lawin 2
- Tojo Motors Limbas X
- Tojo Motors Limbas C600
- Tojo Motors Mandaragit
- Tojo Motors Tourister
- Toyota bZ4X
- TVS iQube S
- Weltmeister W5
- Wuling E-Mini Pickup
- Wuling E-Mini Van
- Wuyang Honda U-GO
- VMoto Soco CUX
- VMoto Soco CPX
- VMoto Soco TC
- VMoto Soco TC Max
- VMoto Soco TSX, 4.1
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Volkswagen ID.6
- Xinri Anger-S
- Xinri Crystall
- Xinri Hawk
- Xinri Miku Max
- XINKI Mixu Super
- Xinri Robo-S
- Xinri Ronic-S
- Xinge Motorcycle XG3000D QZK-7L (S4-B) (5kW)
- Xinge Motorcycle XG30000 QZK-7L (S4-B) (4kW)
- Xinge Motorcycle XG3000D QZK-7K (S9-B)
Light Electric Vehicles (LEV)
Alt text: The Sundiro Honda S07 Light Electric Vehicle, part of the DOE’s list for number coding exemption in the Philippines, ideal for city commutes.
- Coswheel FTN T20
- Dualtron Eagle
- Dualtron Mini
- Dualtron Spider
- Dualtron Storm
- Dualtron Thunder
- Dualtron Ultra II
- Dualtron X2
- Fiido D11 folding e-bike
- Fiido D21
- Fiddo D2S
- Fiido D4S
- Fiido Q1s, Q1 l
- Fiido X
- Honda Dax
- Nwow ARS
- Nwow EPED
- Nwow ERV Mini
- Nwow ERV
- Nwow ERVS2
- Nwow GB2
- Nwow GC10
- Nwow Turtle King 10
- Sundiro Honda x Muji MS01
- Sundiro Honda S07
