Local electric vehicle maker to raise output

MANILA, Philippines - Local electric vehicle maker EMotors Inc. aims to maximize its plant’s initial production capacity of 200 units per month this year as it seeks to increase its customer base, an official said.

“Our target is to maximize the 200 units (per month) capacity of our plant this year,” EMotors president and chief executive officer Beth Lee told reporters yesterday.

She said the firm started the assembly of its ZuM electric three-wheelers at its plant in Santa Rosa in Laguna last year.

The firm has invested P107 million for its plant.

Lee said the company intends to maximize its plant’s capacity by getting more customers.

“Part of our investments is on marketing and educating the market on e-trikes,” she said.

She said the firm is looking at corporates, local government units as well as small and medium enterprises as customers for its e-trikes.

Using e-trikes, she said, would not only allow businesses to save on gasoline costs, but also allow them to contribute to a clean and healthier environment.

EMotors currently has customers engaged in the beverage, logistics and garments sectors.

Among its customers is beverage firm Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI).

PCPPI general manager for Metro sales operations Alvin Augusto Valencia told reporters yesterday the firm has invested in three e-trikes from EMotors which are being tested in the southern part of Metro Manila.

“I see it having a place in distribution. The best thing is we try it,” he said.

EMotors is the country’s first manufacturer and assembler of electric tricycles  to be registered with the Board of Investments’ Motor Vehicle Development Program under Executive Order (EO)  156. It is also the first to be registered in EO 226 or the Investment Priorities Plan.