The Makati City government has acquired five electric vehicles to be used by its Public Safety Department (PSD) to ensure swift emergency response to key areas of the city.
Mayor Abigail Binay said acquisition of the five Hyundai IONIQ electric vehicles, will not only help reduce carbon emissions, but also ensure that the city’s emergency response teams are equipped with the latest technology to provide efficient and prompt assistance to constituents in emergency situations.
“As a city, we recognize our critical role in addressing environmental concerns. By introducing electric vehicles into our public safety fleet, we not only enhance our emergency response capabilities but also contribute to reducing air pollution and our overall environmental impact,” Binay said during Thursday’s turnover ceremony at city hall quadrangle.
The two-wheel drive vehicles feature a 58-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, along with a powerful motor that delivers up to 350 Nm of torque and a maximum power of 170 ps.
Three charging stations at Makati City Hall, one in Palanan Barangay Hall, and one in Guadalupe Viejo Barangay Hall complement the IONIQ 5’s capabilities.
Hyundai Motor Philippines president Dong Wook Lee said the vehicles would bolster the PSD’s service capabilities, allowing the teams to address emergency incidents speedily and effectively.
“We look forward to being a part of and playing a role in Makati’s journey of transforming into a smart city. The IONIQ 5 is the most suitable partner to their commitment of adapting to the modern needs of Makatizens,” Dong said.
He also said the five vehicles came with five years of preventive maintenance service, including parts and labor, wall box chargers, 220v cord chargers, fire extinguishers, training and orientation for drivers, and 24/7 roadside assistance for one year.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Reps. Luis Campos and Romulo Peña, city administrator Claro Certeza, cty legal officer and PSD head Michael Camiña, Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa of the Republic of Korea, and some other HMPH executives.
Since 2016, Mayor Binay has been integrating innovation and sustainability into the city’s operations to transform Makati into a “smart city.”
In 2022, the local government signed an agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to establish a smart transportation system featuring a fleet of electric buses.
Last year, the city was recognized as the sole finalist from the Philippines and the Asia Pacific during the World Smart City Awards for its smart meters and sensors.