Use of e-vehicles in Phl pushed

MANILA, Philippines - Proponents are pushing for the use of electric vehicle in the Philippines, stressing the need to preserve the environment in light of recent devastation such as the one caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Various stakeholders last week held the 3rd Electric Summit, with the aim of promoting the use of electric vehicle in the Philippines.

Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) said the summit has become more relevant in light of the recent effects of Yolanda.

“Now, people are more conscious of the negative effects that can be brought upon by our neglect in preserving the environment thus resulting in global warming and climate change. Thus this year, even major auto shows abroad have prominently featured electric vehicles and other forms of alternative fuel vehicles,” Juan said.

eVAP now boasts of 56 active members, 27 of whom are corporate members. The group is part of the lead organizing group Electric Vehicle Alliance consisting of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and various non-government organizations (NGOs) such as Partnership for Clean Air (PCA), Clean Air initiative Asia and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

The summit sought to strengthen government and private sector cooperation in promoting the EV system.

“This is expected to attract over 500 participants that include major EV players from Asia and the Philippines. We brought them together so that major issues and concerns hampering the growth of the EV industry can be discussed and in the process, partnerships could be developed,” Juan said.

During the summit, local companies were able to discuss partnerships with foreign EV companies.  

“Our local EV players were able to forge relations with foreign EV companies from Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Their collaborations have made it easier for these partnerships to participate in high-ticket projects like the DOE-ADB Electric Tricycle Program. Thanks in no small measure to eVAP,” Juan said.

For instance, local EV pioneer PhUV Inc., with a Taiwan partner, will unveil its locally assembled electric tricycle while Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. will launch their electric version of the Outlander.