How the LTO Classifies Electric Vehicles
Most people would possibly assume that obtaining an electric car registered within the Philippines is pretty difficult, however, in fact, it’s virtually quite sincere. Way to Administrative Order 2021-39, we ultimately know the land transportation office’s one-of-a-kind classifications of EVs.

There are 3 principal categories: Category L, Category M, and Category N.
Category L
This is made up of cars with less than four wheels, and 4-wheelers with a few restrictions on top speed, mass, and maximum rated electricity. An extensive variety of EVs from electric kick scooters to the NAKTO ranger and the Renault Twizy fall below this category.
Category L1a
Two wheels
without or with pedals
The maximum pace of 25km/h
restrained to motorcycle lanes, personal and barangay roads
operators should put on as a minimum a bicycle helmet
Category L2a
Three wheels
With or without pedals
Maximum speed of 25km/h
Limited to private and barangay roads
Operators should wear at least a bicycle helmet
Category L1b
Two wheels
With or without pedals
Maximum pace of 26-50km/h
confined to the outer edge of local roads
operators have to put on as a minimum a bicycle helmet
Category L2b
3 wheels
with or without pedals
most speed of 26-50km/h
restricted to the outer edge of neighborhood roads
operators have to be licensed and must wear as a minimum a bicycle helmet
Category L3
Electric-powered bikes and scooters
Allowed on all roads besides highways and expressways
operators must be licensed (motorbike restriction) and must wear motorcycle helmets
vehicles ought to be registered
may be used as public transport
authorities thinking about exceptions for excessive-performance electric motorcycles
Category L4
three wheels
“tricycle” configuration
The minimal output of 1kw (1. 34hp)
maximum minimize the weight of 600kg
allowed on all roads besides highways and expressways
operators have to be licensed
may be used as public shipping
Category L5
3 wheels
“tuk-tuk” configuration
Minimum output of 1kw (1. 34hp)
maximum scale back weight of 600kg
allowed on all roads except highways and expressways
operators must be licensed
can be used as public delivery
Category L6
mild quadricycle
maximum output of 4kw (five. 36hp)
maximum velocity of 45km/h
Maximum unladen weight of 350kg
Can go national roads
Operators have to be licensed
Can be used as public shipping
Category L7
Heavy quadricycle
Maximum output of 15kw (20. 11hp)
Maximum velocity above 45km/h
Most unladen weight of 550kg
Can cross countrywide roads
Operators ought to be certified
Can be used as public transport
Category M
This class covers four-wheel electric-powered motors like e-jeepneys and the tesla version s. They could carry heavier loads compared to quadricycles.
Category M1
Most of the eight seats
Maximum gross weight of three,500-5,000kg
Category M2
Greater than 8 seats
Maximum gross weight of 3,500-five,000kg
Category M3
more than 8 seats
maximum gross weight above five,000kg
Category N
This class is for heavy-responsibility EVs with 4 wheels.
Category N1
Maximum gross weight of three,500kg
limited to cargo transportation
Category N2
maximum gross weight of 3,500-12,000kg
confined to shipment transportation
Category N3
Maximum gross weight above 12,000kg
can carry up to 8 passengers in addition to cargo
producers and importers have to cozy type and preliminary registration for the models they’re bringing in. In line with segment 5 of republic act 8794, automobiles have to go through class no longer later than 3 months previous to advent to the marketplace.
Those are the requirements for the category:
- Letter request for type
- Vehicle specs
- Snapshots of the vehicle
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Report from LTO
These are the requirements for preliminary registration:
- Original sales invoice
- Certificate of Stock Reported
- Original PNP-HPG clearance
- Appropriate insurance Certificate of Cover
Those tips must help both manufacturers and consumers with the sale and usage of electrical cars. We hope we made it simpler and a good way to apprehend.