EV Love: Classifications, categories, samples

In the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) continuously updates its list of electric vehicle models available locally under various categories.

With the influx of new energy-powered models, it is only fitting for motorists to understand the guidelines that encompass the wide variety of cars, motorcycles, and bikes that ply the country’s roads.

That said, here is a quick look at the matrix used by the DOE:

EV classifications, categories

DOE has set three classifications for new energy vehicles, namely battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and plug-in electric vehicles, commonly known as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

Based on the data, which is available at DOE’s website (you can check the page, here), there are several categories under each class that are determined by the weight of the vehicle.

Let's go through them and cite some examples to help us better understand each item.

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BEV

First, we will discuss BEVs.

BEVs are propelled by an electric motor and rely solely on electric power through EV batteries.

Two-wheelers under 100 to 2,000 kilograms (kg) fall under the L category. These include models such as the Segway E150S.

On the other hand, four-wheelers under 2,000 and above 10,000 kg fall under the M category. Some good examples include the upcoming VinFast Limo Green, Tesla Model Y and 3, as well as the recently unveiled Toyota bZ4X and Urban Cruiser.

Pickup trucks under 2,000 and 5,000 kg are categorized under N, such as the Dongfeng Rich 7 EV and Radar RD6 ECON.

Falling in the same letter category are commercial vehicles with electric powertrains weighing under 5,000 and over 10,000 kg. These are the Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter and Foton Tornado EV.

HEV

The same pattern goes for HEVs, which are vehicles that use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. These vehicles are also fitted with batteries that can be recharged using the engine or through regenerative braking.

With limited hybrid models, the only category available for HEVs is M. This covers four-wheeled vehicles under 2,000 to under 5,000 kg.

Prime examples for cars below 2,000 kg include the Honda Civic RS e:HEV and the upcoming Prelude. For models under 2,200 kg, picks would be the Ford Territory Hybrid and the GAC Emkoo HEV.

For heavier models weighing under 2,500 kg, the DOE listed nameplates like the Toyota Innova Zenix and the RAV4 HEV. Finally, heavy-hitting HEVs (under 5,000 kg) include listed models like the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid.

PHEV

PHEVs are hybrids that still use the same principle as HEVs, but with a battery that can be recharged using an external source. This allows vehicles from the said classification to be more fuel-efficient since juicing up the battery is now more manageable.

Vehicles belonging to the PHEV segment fall into two categories: M and N.

M PHEVs range from electrified models from under 2,200 to under 5,000 kg. Samples include the Jetour Dashing i-DM, Geely EX5 EM-i Max, and Denza D9.

Under the N category are pickup trucks such as the Radar RD6 EM-P.

Also read: 

DOE issues list of recognized NEV models available in PH

Zigwheels PH wrap: vehicles we’re excited to see this 2026

Zigwheels PH wrap: local vehicle launches that defined 2025

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