Japanese firm sole bidder for delivery of e-trikes

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese firm Uzushio Electric Co. Ltd. emerged as the sole bidder for the supply and delivery of 3,000 electric-powered tricycles (e-trikes) after four other bidders failed to meet certain requirements.

Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said Mulan Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd. of China, TECO Electric and Machinery Co. Ltd. of China, Camec JCB Corp. of the Philippines and Invenic Inc. together with its Chinese partner Jiang Siu Hansen Motor Co. Ltd. were unresponsive on certain requirements such as bid security which is an essential part of the bidding process.

The Japanese company’s financial bid amounted to $34.6 million for the 3,000 e-trike units and P364.17 million for other related after-sales services including battery warranty, unit warranty and comprehensive insurance among others.

“Included in the bid is the five-year after-sales services because we want the sustainability of the project,” Marcos said.

Uzushio Electric manufactures, sells and installs land-based equipment for building, factories and various facilities such as power and network system facilities.

The Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) evaluated the technical bid proposals of the bidders submitted last May.

Meanwhile, Marcos said results of the evaluation of Uzushio Electric’s proposal will be released by the end of the month.

The 3,000 units of e-trikes will be used in Metro Manila and in Region 4 A and B (Calabarzon and Mimaropa) as a cleaner transport solution for the country.

“We believe in its direct contribution to energy sustainability by making available environmental-friendly alternative energy technologies that are also accessible to the public,” Marcos said.

DOE added that the five-year e-trike program will help the government save over $100 million in fuel imports annually, reduce the transport sector’s yearly petroleum consumption by 2.8 percent and achieve 79 percent carbon footprint avoidance.