DENR opens e-vehicle charging station in QC

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has unveiled its electric vehicle (EV) charging station as part of its efforts to promote more environment-friendly mode of transportation.

Donated by Japanese auto giant Mitsubishi Motors Philippine Corp., the EV charging station is located inside the DENR compound in Quezon City to promote the use of electric and hybrid cars instead of gas-powered vehicles.

“This project is not only timely, but also supportive of the thrust of Secretary Roy Cimatu towards clean air. It is also a first step in creating a network of chargers for electric vehicles in the country, especially in highly urbanized cities,” DENR undersecretary and spokesperson Jonas Leones said.

Aside from the DENR central office, Mitsubishi has also lined up the installation of EV charging stations in the regional offices in Cebu and Davao, and at the Department of Trade and Industry.

It was in June 2017 when Mitsubishi donated 10 EV units, composed of five I-MiEV, Mitsubishi’s five-door hatchback electric car and another five Outlander PHEV, a hybrid electric vehicle. This was part of their partnership to promote clean energy and environmental protection.

Studies showed that around 80 percent of air pollution comes from motor vehicles, while 20 percent comes from stationary sources, including factory smoke stacks and open burning.

Carbon emissions from electric and hybrid cars are significantly less than those of a conventional car, which is dependent on fossil fuel, making them an attractive option when looking to go green.

DENR and Mitsubishi have an ongoing memorandum of understanding where the latter, under its corporate social responsibility program, vowed to support the agency’s environmental projects, including the promotion of electric and hybrid vehicle technology.

Mitsubishi also agreed to establish mangrove and bamboo plantations covering a total of 100 hectares within a period of five years.