Digital solutions platform Globe on Thursday expressed disappointment over the elimination of two-wheeled motorcyles in the reduction of tariff rates to zero percent on completely built-up units of certain electric vehicles for five years.
Globe’s 917Ventures and Ayala Corp. ventured into electric vehicle business in partnership with Taiwan’s Gogoro, which developed a battery-swapping refueling platform for urban electric two-wheel scooters, mopeds and motorcycles.
Globe Group president and chief executive Ernest Cu said the exclusion of two-wheeled motorcycles in the temporary reduction of Most-Favored Nation tariff rates to zero was a “disappointment.”
“[It was] Actually a big surprise not only for Globe but for many of the people who are involved in crafting the law even legislators and members of Cabinet. We were taken aback by the outright exclusion of two-wheeled vehicles … There’s probably people lobbying against it,” Cu said.
“In China, they don’t use any gasoline for two-wheeled vehicles for many years now, and it is something that I think once the appropriate authorities particularly the President hears that then I think they will revise that,” he said.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the EO for the President on Jan. 13, which temporarily cut the MFN tariff rates to zero on completely built-up units of certain electric vehicles, except for hybrid-type EVs.
The temporary modification of the MFN tariff rates on electric vehicles and their parts and components is expected to boost the electric vehicle market in the country, supporting the transition to emerging technologies and encouraging consumers to consider electric vehicles as a cleaner and greener transportation option.
The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of air pollution and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions at 34 percent.
The Gogoro’s Smartscooters, piloting in Metro Manila, will serve as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles currently used by the logistics and last-mile delivery industry.
Gogoro Smartscooters are powered by Gogoro’s battery swapping platform through conveniently located swap stations, where users can quickly swap depleted batteries for fully-charged ones in seconds.
