E-vehicles’ road dominance pushed

Local manufacturers want more electric vehicles (EVs) plying the country’s roads and replace ageing jeepneys and tricycles.

“With new franchises being granted by LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) only to alternative-fueled vehicles, EVs are the top viable options,” said Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines.

Juan said in a statement that with the growing concern for environmental protection and with the impending implementation of eco-friendly Euro 4 compliance for diesel engines, the push for electric vehicles for mass public transport is gaining momentum.

“We are pushing for EVs for public transport application as it seems to be the only viable alternative for the industry,” he said.

“Now with various pilot projects in full swing and with some of them [operating] for over five years now, we can say that we already have proof of concept,” he added. “EV technology does work”.

E-jeepney fleets are now running in Makati City, Filinvest City Alabang and at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City.

On the other hand, e-trikes are now being operated in Bacoor, Boracay, Mandaluyong, and University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

Juan reiterated the call for transport groups and the government to help put into the mainstream the use of e-jeepneys and e-trikes.

He said EVs are not only economical, but also environmentally-friendly alternatives.

“With local players now in place, and credible suppliers and manufacturers now present in the country, we can establish a full-fledged EV industry in the country,” he added.