LOOK: DOST is pushing for further adoption of these PH-made EVs amid fuel price hikes
The Department of Science and Technology is urging the further adoption of Filipino-made e-vehicles amid the country's energy emergency.
In a statement through the Philippine Center for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said the country should harness its investments in e-mobility research amid the disruption in energy supply caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
"With the continuing rise of global fuel prices, these technologies offer a real, practical way for Filipinos to save on costs while contributing to cleaner communities,” he said.
Here's a look at some of the EV projects.
M/B Dalaray
The M/B Dalaray is an electric ferry designed to serve routes along Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Taguig.
The DOST-PCIEERD highlighted that the e-ferry is powered by an electric propulsion system, which reduces operating costs and minimizes noise and emissions.
It's currently operating from Mondays to Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. for the Guadalupe Station to Escolta route and 3:00 p.m. for the Escolta to Guadalupe route.
C-Trike and E-Trike
The C-Trike is a converted electric tricycle that consumes 4.5kWh for 56.4 km. An alternative to gasoline-run tricycle, the EV can travel for up to 80km on a single charge, according to a previous DOST press release.
Meanwhile, the DOST is also proposing the wider adoption of e-trikes, which are already deployed in Cauayan City, Tuguegarao, Batanes, Iloilo, and Metro Manila.
E-Jeepney
The locally-developed 23-seater E-Jeepney was created to replace aging jeepney fleets. In a 2023 Philippine STAR interview, DOST-PCIEERD executive director Enrico Paringit said that the EV has a 55 km range on a full charge and a dashboard panel for opening and closing the side door.
Hybrid Electric Train
This project was developed with the Philippine National Railways for rail modernization and reduced diesel dependence. It uses 30% fuel and a regenerative braking system.
CharM
CharM, or Charging in Minutes, is a fast-charging system designed to power up EVs like e-trikes in about 30 minutes. Charging stations featuring the technology have been deployed to EV motorists in multiple locations, like Quezon City Hall Compound, UP Diliman, Environmental Building and Motorpool in Brgy. Payatas, Eastwood, Arcovia, Uptown Mall, Venice Grand Canal, and Lucky Chinatown.
On Mar. 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict as it posed "imminent danger" to the country's energy supply.
The following day, Marcos signed into law a measure giving him the authority to suspend or reduce fuel excise tax.