Investor interest high in E-vehicles

Manila, Philippines -  The emergence of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Philippines is yet to be fully seen as several Asian companies have expressed interest in pursuing investments in the power sector to help provide the infrastructure and in the manufacture of EVs themselves.

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), however, believes the industry will be sustainable in the long-term.

EVAP president Rommel Juan said that with rising fuel prices, the use of altenative technology in automotives is being increasingly explored.

“There are strong indications that electric cars will go mainstream worldwide by 2015,” he said. “Fearless forecasts say 20 percent of new vehicles produced by 2015 will be electric.”

At present, the use of EVs is limited to public utility vehicles like tricycles and jeepneys. E-tricyles have been plying the roads of Surigao City, and e-Jeeps in Palawan and Makati. The eBus units of Victory Liner have also been operational.

EVAP is currently in talks with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the development of electric vehicles that will be “acceptable to the market in terms of design and price.”

“I think it (EV industry) will be sustainable. But we will see an influx of alternative energy vehicles, not just electric. As the world lessens its dependence on oil new technologies such as LNG, solar, and hydro to name a few will have bigger roles in the worlds mobility,” said Juan.

Right now, EVs used in the country can only cover short distances because of limitations in battery power and charging stations, a primary concern that was raised during the 2nd Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit 2012 held in Pasig City last month.

There are concerns that EVs will not be able to weather the heavy traffic in Metro Manila.

“But as battery technology improves and local players progress the driving distance will also significantly improve. EVs will definitely thrive in Manila where traffic is heavy. Electric is more efficient. It doesn’t idle. It only expends the energy required whenever you step on the pedal,” he said.

EV players at the moment are focusing in growing the fleet of vehicles for the public transport sector. As such, it still does not pose a threat to traditional car manufacturers.