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Electric vehicle to be launched in Dumaguete tomorrow

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The first electric vehicle made in the Philippines will be launched in Dumaguete City tomorrow on the occasion of Silliman University’s 106th Founders Day.

Unlike the China-made E-Jeepneys plying the streets of Makati, Insular Technologies’ E-Vehicle seeks to create an industry in the Philippines which could develop our technical capability in design, engineering and manufacture of electric vehicle parts.

The E-Vehicle was assembled in Dumaguete using parts from the United States. It has a dc motor prime mover powered by 18-6 volt golf cart Motolite batteries.

The original vehicle was an “easy ride” gas engine powered vehicle commonly used around Negros Oriental for public transport.

Insular Technologies was founded last year by SU alumnus Rene Tuballa with three other people from Dauin, Negros Oriental.

The E-Vehicle is envisioned to provide  drivers currently renting vehicles with a more sustainable means of livelihood.

“Our vehicle is for people who are only renting a vehicle for the day. Our company is envisioned to be a microfinance technology management company that will manage everything for the drivers from “cradle to grave.” All they have to do is drive safely and earn money. The daily payment will be much lower than what they are paying now for renting a vehicle and this will be a way for them to own the vehicle after so many years,” Tuballa said.

The E-Vehicle’s parts are imported from the US but Insular Technologies plan to eventually have them “reverse engineered,” designed and manufactured in the Philippines to create employment, business, and industries.

“Electric motors are not new, chargers and dc controllers are power electronics which anybody can design. So why do we have to import the whole vehicle? We are absolutely against it,” he said.

“Collaboration with the universities is important. We want Dumaguete and Negros (Oriental and Occidental) to be the bastion or haven of technical innovations in the manufacture of electric vehicles,” he added.

Tuballa will bring the vehicle to Bacolod in September to explore possible partnerships with the local industry and universities there.

COUNTRY

DUMAGUETE

E-VEHICLE

INSULAR TECHNOLOGIES

PLACE

REGION

VEHICLE

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