E-vehicle makers push for foreign partnerships

MANILA, Philippines - Electric vehicle manufacturers and dealers are pushing partnerships between local firms and foreign investors to encourage the manufacture of electric vehicles.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has completed a road map for the industry, including programs vital to promote the industry’s growth.

“The road map calls for the formation of joint ventures among locals and with foreign (firms) based in research and development, manufacturing and assembly, to fast-track the industry’s growth in both the domestic and export markets,” the EVAP said.

EVAP president Rommel Juan said the road map provides solutions to problems faced by the industry at present.

“These problems in general perspective include the following: technological failures, safety issues and high costs,” he said.

Technical issues faced by the industry include limited manufacturing capability, lack of standards and regulations for EVs and charging station, grid stability, battery capacity upgrading and waste disposal as well as limited driving range.

Among the solutions proposed are grant of incentives to generate new investments, upgrade of engineering know-how and technical capabilities, as well as infusion of new technologies.

The road map likewise proposes the adoption of a viable national mass transport system linked to the Philippines’ electric industry prospects.

Under the road map, EVs are expected to account for 20 percent of new vehicles to be produced in 2015 and sales of EVs are seen to grow given an influx of alternative energy vehicles seen to be viable for local production.

The EVAP noted that as the Department of Energy and the Asian Development Bank have launched a $500 M e-trike (electric tricycle) project, the government must provide incentives to investors so that more auto firms from Japan, Taiwan and Korea would bring their production platforms for vehicles, parts and components here.

“The EVAP road map promises new and lucrative opportunities and gains to benefit all industry stakeholders and the public. It offers inviting encouragements for all to push hard the EV as a practical alternative solution to fuel problems affecting environmental degradation,” the group said.

The group said the road map would be presented to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The DTI launched the industry road map initiative earlier this year to push for growth of specific industries and the entire manufacturing sector.