The mitigation and slowing down of global warming caused by climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a main purpose for the observance of Earth Hour and Earth Day. The Paris Agreement obliges nations to cut down their greenhouse emissions by 70 percent. According to studies, 80 percent of air pollution in the Philippines comes from transport vehicles, and only 20 percent comes from industries.
One kind of car does not only reduce smoke emissions but eliminates them altogether. It’s one cool car that helps cool the earth.
When the Philippines again participated in the celebration of Earth Hour last March 19, lights as usual were switched off for one hour to promote the reduction of carbon emissions. World Wildlife Fund, the organizer of the event at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, intended the event to be a showcase of climate solutions, featuring renewable sources of energy.
As a partner company for Earth Hour, BEMAC Electric Transport Philippines presented its very own electric tricycles as one solution to climate change. BEMAC’s eTrikes provided the participants free rides around the Circle to raise awareness of eTrikes as a cleaner alternative to conventional transport.
During the 5th Electric Vehicle Summit at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall last April 14-15, a Toyota Vios and a Kia Picanto converted into EVs were displayed, demonstrating the wide possibilities for potential investors. Electronic Vehicle Association of the Philippines president Rommel Juan said the company that converted them was Le Guider International. In an interview with The Standard, Le Guider president Mariano Nocum Jr. said they really wanted to “mass produce [their] own brand of EVs for Filipinos and convert for volume.” Nocum added that they “have not formally approached Toyota and Kia but are looking for a partner.”
According to Juan, the Department of Energy and the Asian Development Bank have awarded the initial order of 3,000 eTrikes to BEMAC. “This is just for pilot testing a projected program quantity of 100,000 eTrikes over the next few years.”
Juan further said that some eTrike manufacturers like BEMAC, Kea Industrial, Tojo Motors and PhUV have jacked up production outputs for 2016. EVs ply routes at the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines campuses, Bacoor in Cavite, Filinvest Alabang (18 eJeeps), the local government of Muntinlupa, Ayala Alabang (32 eJeeps), the local government of Mandaluyong (500 eTrikes), the City of Manila, Quezon City and even in the island paradise of Boracay (150 eTrikes). The fares are controlled by local governments.
Aside from clean fuel, another advantage of EVs for public transport is their bigger capacity that translates to higher income for drivers and operators. eTrikes can be six-seaters while eJeeps can be 21-seaters.
“Green EV financing packages are available from the Development Bank of the Philippines, Landbank of the Philippines, Orix Metro, CARD, Negosyong Pinoy and Proximity Funding, among others. In fact, DBP has just granted a green loan to Tojo Motors. CTI-PFAN can also match EV companies with funding institutions, whether public or private. Our industry is in much need of funding to finance capital expenditures, operating expenses and retail financing,” Juan explained.
To sell EVs for mass transport, the industry must offer a complete mass transport solution package. This would include battery charging and swapping stations, an experienced fleet transport operator, a financing or leasing company, a reliable after-sales service provider and maybe a corporate social responsibility advocacy arm to promote EV technology and its use nationwide.
Thus, the EVAP built the necessary infrastructure such as battery charging and swapping stations. Meralco through MServ put up one at the Ateneo campus. Kea pilot tested an off-site eTrike charging station in Bacoor, Cavite. The group allied with battery suppliers such as Motolite and Trojan, with charger manufacturers such as Delta Q, and with controller (the “brain” of the EV) manufacturers such as Sevcon.
Juan said, “We wish government [would] formulate the standards for the electric vehicle, its parts and for testing. Then maybe they could start putting in place testing facilities and manpower training centers. We have tried our best to have an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Bill passed into law. This could have provided all players in the local EV industry with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.”
Juan also disclosed that “the EVAP champion in the Upper House is Sen. Bam Aquino. With the Metro Express of the Villar Group going into EVs, Sen. Cynthia Villar became another partner. It is not just coincidental that our biggest comrade in Congress is her son, Rep. Mark Villar.”
At the EV Summit, Diwa Partylist Rep. Emmeline Villar gave the keynote speech and mentioned other proposed perks to EV owners such as a special lane for them and exemption from the number coding scheme.
This cool solution should get a warm reception in the next Congress.
