RP as electric vehicle hub
The Philippines could just be the electric vehicle hub of Asia starting this year, according to Ferdi Raquelsantos, vice president of the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP) which is the proponent of the e-Jeepney.
The e-Jeepney is a locally designed and assembled electric jeepney that is now plying select streets in Makati and elsewhere.
MVPMAP has incorporated a consortium, the Philippine Utility Vehicle (PhUV) Inc. as its business arm for the e-Jeepney.
Raquelsantos said the e-Jeepney project has given hope to the more than 24,000 workers dependent on the local auto parts making industry.
"The industry has been in doldrums for so many years as the auto industry sales have not gone anywhere near the 1996 level of 162,000 units since then. Consequently, the Philippines has lagged behind Asian neighbors Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia," Raquelsantos said.
Under the proposed Motor Vehicle Development Program, the development of the automotive parts and components is one of seven critical success factors cited as needing full government support for the growth of the auto industry. It also provides a package of incentives to encourage local completely knocked-down (CKD) operations.
The e-Jeepney project is expected to dramatically reduce noise and air pollution in Makati as the e-Jeepney does not emit either noise or harmful exhaust emissions.
Studies have shown that every liter of diesel avoided results in a reduction of 3,140 grams of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 16 grams of NOx (nitrous oxide) that are released to the atmosphere.