LGUs and EMOBILITY

Dr. Manny Biona highlighted why there is a need to push for e-jeepneys and how it greatly helps reduce pollution and helps the environment in the long-run. In a study conducted for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, it was noted that the full replacement of jeepneys by e-jeepneys in Metro Manila alone would provide an additional P1.5 billion in health savings annually compared to the use of Euro 4-compliant PUVs. In addition, EVs in the country are expected to cut down life cycle GHG emissions by at least 30% relative to Euro 4 diesels. This is despite the fact that a big part of the grid mix is fossil based. Integrating renewables in the charging system will further enhance these benefits.

However, transitioning to EVs is not a singular effort. It requires a multi-stakeholder effort from  policymakers to implementers. In order to kickstart the roll-out of EVs here in the Philippines, Local Government Units have a big role to play: take the lead, build trust, put in stakes and catalyze cooperation.  LGUs are expected to play a very critical role in transitioning the PUV services to fleet- managed eJeeps by facilitating multi-stakeholder support to transport cooperatives. Considering that it is expected to generate a hefty amount of savings, Biona hopes that the government, especially the Department of Finance, realizes that the industry is worth the additional support and incentives.

Dr. Manny Biona and the EVAP believes that moving eJeeps forward requires creating and ensuring the demand and adoption of a supportive vehicle and battery financing and leasing climate.

Other articles on Building an E-Vehicle Ecosystem:

• IT TAKES A COUNTRY TO BUILD AN EV ECOSYSTEM - Art Tan
• PH TOWARDS AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIFICATION -  Corazon Dichosa
• MOVING PEOPLE TO A BETTER TOMORROW - Freddie Tinga
• ACCELERATING E-VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT - Alan Pilz