EVAP renews call for e-vehicles

MANILA, Philippines – The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) has renewed its call for the country’s urgent need for more electric vehicles.

The EVAP said air pollution in the country is becoming more serious with about 4,000 Filipinos dying from air pollution-related causes every year while some 90,000 suffer from severe chronic bronchitis.

“We rank third, just behind Beijing and Jakarta, in health-related issues from air pollution. Health costs now equal to seven percent of our GDP,” EVAP said.

The organization of electric vehicle manufacturers, distributors, innovators and suppliers said the use of electric vehicles has a critical role in abating air pollution in the country.

“For e-vehicles to really fly, challenges like battery development and costs, driving mileage per charge, charging time, charging stations, cooperation among industry players, government support and public perception need to be addressed,” EVAP said.

EVAP president Rommel Juan said more than half a dozen electric vehicle initiatives are currently operating in the Philippines at present but more is needed to make its impact in lessening air pollution.

Juan said the group hopes to set up more electric vehicle projects in the coming years to follow the path of other local mass transport projects the group has initiated such as the Makati Green Route, the Filinvest 360 Eco Loop in Alabang, the Muntinlupa EJF EJeepney program, the Ateneo EJeepneys, the Mandaluyong EV Wealth ETrikes and the Bacoor E-Strike Program.

“Everyone must do their part be they from government, the private sector or civil society,” he said.