CEBU, Philippines — The committees on transportation, and environment of the Cebu City Council have favorably endorsed the use of electric vehicles in the city as a sustainable mode of transportation.
“Provided, that there be a presentation of the complete ecosystem of electric vehicles for the guidance of other government agencies and the general public as a whole,” said Councilor Joel Garganera, chairman of the committee on environment.
Garganera added that various aspects such as strategic placement and availability of charging stations, as well as the assurance of sufficient supply of batteries and parts must be taken into consideration.
The council earlier requested the two committees to study whether the adoption of sustainable transportation through electric vehicles is feasible.
A joint-committee report was already approved by the council regarding the matter.
Garganera said that the biggest hurdle to the adoption of electric vehicles is the cost.
“If the city would be interested to proceed, to adopt this form of sustainable transportation, the possible subsidization of the cost of purchasing these electric vehicles would be laudable to support this endeavor,” he said.
With this, Councilor Nestor Archival, Sr. requested the council’s committee on budget and finance to make a study on the possibility of purchasing electric vehicles that would be used by the city government.
Archival gave the said committee 15 days to submit a report or recommendation.
While the committees on transportation, and environment gave a favorable endorsement, Garganera said that there is still a need for further discussion and consultation in various public and private stakeholders, including jeepney operators and cooperatives.
It was Archival who suggested for the city government to start the gradual use of electric vehicles to be able to save money.
He said the city should adopt a proof of concept wherein instead of utilizing gasoline or diesel engines, they should purchase electric cars. — FPL (FREEMAN)