Mitsubishi, DTI embark on electric vehicle study

MANILA, Philippines — Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are undertaking a study to provide critical inputs for the formulation of policies and programs for the electric vehicle industry.

The research study initiative is being done with the help of a consortium of universities composed of De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Mapua University and Ateneo de Manila University.

“We know that the future automobile is going to be transformed and driven by forces such as autonomous drive, electrification, diverse mobility and connectivity. The cars of the future are going to be greener, electric, connected and autonomous,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

The study, according to Lopez, aims to cover environment, transportation, energy and industrial policies necessary for environmental protection and the development of the electric vehicle industry.

The DTI, through the Board of Investments, has been collaborating with the private sector and lawmakers in coming up with necessary measures that will propel the growth of the country’s electric vehicle industry.

To support the government’s push to create and promote an electric vehicle ecosystem in the country, MMPC recently donated a quick charging facility to DTI to complement two Mitsubishi electric vehicles, the I-Miev and the Outlander.

The Philippines recently sought the assistance of Korea in the development of the electric vehicle industry with officials of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines and DTI meeting with representatives of the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in Seoul to identify ways on how Korea, being more advanced in electric vehicle technology, can support the local industry.