“It is time [to] take electric vehicles seriously.”
That is what Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum in response to the current oil crisis and the threat of climate change.
The science and technology chief is pushing electric mobility (e-mobility), or the use of electric vehicles, as the main mode of transportation in the country.
“We need to rely on renewable energy,” the secretary shared during the launch of the e-tranvia in Intramuros, adding that promoting e-mobility is practical, reliable, and accessible for Filipinos, especially given the current impact of high oil prices facing the country.
“It supports our climate goals, reduces dependence on imported fuel, and opens new opportunities for innovation and green industries,” he stressed.
As part of this initiative, the DOST, in partnership with the Intramuros Administration, Cagayan State University (CSU), and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), launched the e-tranvia, an 18-seater all-electric tourist transportation vehicle last March.
“The e-tranvia shows us what is possible, bringing forth solutions enabled by science, technology, and innovation to alleviate the miseries of the Filipino people,” Solidum added.
The e-tranvia is in addition to other projects developed by the department such as the MB Dalaray Electric Ferry on the Pasig River, e-boat in Manila, e-Jeepney, hybrid electric train (HET), C-Trike, and e-trike in various regions of the country.
These were developed together with related institutions such as CSU, UPD, DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute, among others.
Also planned as a next project is the development of an e-bus. The said vehicle will have the engine and framework of old buses repaired and converted to electric.
Meanwhile, DOST said it is also aware that there is still a need to promote charging infrastructure focused on solar and electric renewable energy in the country to further encourage the public to use e-vehicles.
“We are very confident that once there are private companies interested in mass producing the various e-vehicles [and infrastructure] that we have already prototyped, more of our countrymen will benefit,” said the secretary.
