MServ pushes use of e-trikes by food firms

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco Energy Inc. (MServ), a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s biggest power distributor, is in talks with food establishments for the supply of e-trikes that MServ is rolling out.

Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services Al Panlilio, said MServ is now in talks with Jollibee Foods Corp., the country’s biggest fastfood chain, for a lease arrangement wherein MServe would supply its e-trikes or electronic tricycles that Jollibee can use for its delivery needs.

“We are working with subsidiary MServ that would be contracting with Jollibee. That’s still being discussed. It will be a leasing type of arrangement,” Panlilio said.

MServ is a premier energy management company providing viable vertically integrated energy solutions, according to its profile.

Panlilio said negotiations are ongoing as he expressed hopes that there may be agreements within the quarter.

 â€œThey are negotiating now. Jollibee is pushing for it,” he said.

The Iglesia ni Cristo religious bloc also expressed interest as well as McDonald’s, the American-owned fastfood chain.

In all, Panlilio said MServ is eyeing to supply a total of 2,500 units of e-trikes for the initial roll out.

“Combined, we are looking at 2,500 units,” Panlilio said.

He added that  there will be charging stations in their establishments where they will park their e-trike.

Meralco has been advocating the use of electric vehicle.

It launched last year a P1.5-million prototype electric vehicle charging station as part of efforts to promote the use of the more environment-friendly electric vehicles in the country.

Meralco’s charging equipment can dispense electricity at measured intervals, either in specific peso or kilowatt-hour amounts.

Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor chaired by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, is also willing to help in manufacturing electric vehicles, Pangilinan earlier said.

He said Meralco wants to be instrumental in building the complete the ecosystem for the expected influx of electric vehicles in the country.

Meralco will assist in making the electric vehicle charging  technology available to interested partner companies and priority sectors like public transport operators.