Tesla held a grand opening ceremony at its first Service Center in the Philippines. The new location, which opened late last year, serves as the company’s headquarters in the country, also houses a showroom, service and delivery operations, and Supercharger station.
The launch event was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed his strong support for Tesla’s investment and encouraged the company to consider manufacturing its electric vehicles (EVs) locally.
While Tesla has yet to announce any formal plans for manufacturing in the Philippines, Marcos remains hopeful that the company will consider the country as a production base. “It is our fervent hope that Tesla might one day choose to manufacture its vehicles in the Philippines,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s willingness to collaborate on necessary infrastructure and policy support.
The Philippine government has introduced several initiatives to encourage EV adoption and attract global manufacturers. The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) provides tax incentives for EV buyers and duty-free importation of charging stations. Additionally, Executive Order No. 62 lowers tariffs on electric cars and motorcycles to zero until 2028.
Marcos acknowledged Tesla’s role in driving the adoption of EVs in the country, stating, “Tesla’s decision to invest in the Philippines recognizes our nation’s potential and forward-thinking policies.”
In a press release from the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos also highlighted the nation’s commitment to sustainability through its Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, which aims for EVs to account for 50% of market share by 2040. “We hope Tesla will not only invest in infrastructure but also in Filipino talent, fostering innovation and creating jobs in the country,” he added.
Tesla’s entry into the Philippines comes amid increasing competition in the Southeast Asian EV market. Other automakers, including Vietnam’s VinFast, have already established a presence, with plans to expand production and introduce new EV models. The Philippines, in particular, is positioning itself as a regional hub for EV manufacturing, supported by its skilled workforce and emerging battery production industry.
A state-of-the-art facility producing advanced iron-phosphate batteries was inaugurated in the country in late 2024, strengthening local supply chains for EV production. With these developments, Marcos sees an opportunity for Tesla to deepen its presence in the Philippines beyond sales and service operations.
