4 SM malls now have EV charging stations

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls has launched electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at four of its malls in Metro Manila to encourage the use of environment-friendly vehicles in line with its push for sustainability.

During the launch, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said the EV charging stations are  located at  SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia.

The EV charging stations are available for  free to SM malls’ customers.

“We are doing this as a form of service to encourage people and the public to shift to EVs. This is part of the SM green movement initiative,” he said.

While the launch only covered four SM malls in Metro Manila, he said SM would be rolling out charging stations in other parts of the country in the coming months.

He said they plan to have EV charging stations in destination malls like Clark, Baguio, Tuguegarao and Bicol.

While charging EVs, he said customers could go out, dine and watch a movie at the SM malls.

The launch of SM’s EV charging stations is timely as the law to promote the EV industry in the Philippines  just recently lapsed into law.

Under Republic Act 11697 or the EV Industry Development Act, a Comprehensive Roadmap for the EV industry (CREVI) will be crafted to accelerate the development, commercialization and use of EVs in the country.

Cargo logistics companies, food delivery companies, tour agencies, hotels, power utilities and water utilities, as well as government agencies are required under the law to have EVs
account for at least five percent of their fleet within the timeframe indicated in the CREVI.

Private and public buildings and establishments built after the law takes effect, are likewise required to have designated parking slots for EVs.

Tan said the launch of the EV charging stations also comes at the right time amid skyrocketing fuel prices.