Development of electric-powered vehicles pushed

MANILA, Philippines - Two senators called yesterday for the development of electric-powered vehicles, starting with passenger jeepneys to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.

Sen. Edgardo Angara, Congressional Commission on Science and Technology (COMSTE) chairman, said electric-powered vehicles would do wonders for the environment while creating a new industry for the country.

“We import roughly 96 percent of our petroleum, the majority of which is consumed by the growing transport sector,” he said.

“This same sector accounts for the biggest share of the energy use, nearing 40 percent.”

“It has long been one of the goals of the government to become energy independent. I believe that this can be achieved by promoting innovative projects that can reduce our foreign dependence on fuel and at the same time create a less-polluted, environmentally-friendly cities.”

Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. said electric-powered jeepneys were developed by homegrown Green Renewable Independent Power Producers Inc. in partnership with the Solar Electric Co. and fabricated by the Philippine Utility Vehicle Inc.

“For years, jeepneys and other forms of road transport have been blamed for rising carbon emissions in the Philippines, particularly in metropolitan Manila,” he said.

Villar said electric-powered government vehicles would set a clear example for motorists nationwide.

“Electric-powered vehicles are not only cost-efficient but also environment-friendly and it minimizes contracting of respiratory diseases,” he said.

Angara said highly-urbanized areas like Metro Manila could benefit from clean technologies for motor vehicles.

A recent Asian Development Bank study showed that Metro Manila ranks high among mega cities in Asia with a level of suspended particulate matter more than double the standard of the World Health Organization, he added.

Angara said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has identified 70 percent of air pollution in Metro Manila comes from motor vehicles.

Addressing pollution from the jeepneys would be a good first step towards cleaner air, he added.

Angara said Taiwan is interested in collaborating with the Philippines to develop new technologies for batteries which would greatly improve the performance of electric-powered vehicles.

COMSTE studies show that a locally-produced electric-powered vehicle is a potential export industry, he added.

A proposal of COMSTE is to introduce the electric-powered jeepney as the foremost mode of tourist transport in his home province of Aurora, Angara said.