Electrification of transportation is a big step forward. One can imagine the possibilities clean energy can offer to the world. Energy that is no longer reliant on fossil fuels.
The whole world is pushing towards electrification with California leading the way - aiming to be compliant by 2025 while the rest of the developed nations follow by 2040. Yet, for a developing country like the Philippines, the switch to electrification might be more challenging.
For electric vehicles (EV) to fully replace the century old internal combustion engine, power supply has to be adequate.
The Philippines has to solve its decades old power crisis (including political) before any transition to transportation electrification is made.
Another kink to work out is the massive infrastructure that electrification requires. Electric Vehicles will need Charging Stations in the same way regular cars need Gas Stations.
The network of new charging stations all over the archipelago will need big work.
In countries that have embraced electrification, their governments have spear headed the role as main instigator, carving out laws that will speed up the process of electrification.
Their government doled out tax incentives for electric car manufacturers and subsidizedpurchases.
In the Philippines, a Senate Bill was recently passed by Sen. Gatchalian, known as the Proposed Electric Vehicle and Charging Station Act which was recently approved by the Senate and is still with the House of Representatives.
The bill seeks torequire government entities to have a minimum 5% share of EVs in their vehicle fleets, for gasoline stations nationwide to provide EV charging stations, public and private buildings to designate dedicated parking slots for EVs doubling as charging stations, and large industrial, commercial, public transport.
Baby steps to say the least, but better than none.
In the meantime, before the switch to the full electric future, hybrid cars are the best option.