ANGARA LAUDS ADB FOR SUPPORT OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES, ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), lauded the efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in continuing its support for the Philippines in trying to introduce electric vehicles into the mainstream transport sector.

The ADB hosted a forum entitled: "Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles" earlier today. The event was organized jointly with the Department of Energy (DOE).

The forum was highlighted by presentations of two international vehicle experts that shared insights on innovative approaches relevant to Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the Philippines.

Dr. Shannon Arvizu, is a plug-in vehicle policy specialist with extensive knowledge of market and behavioral dynamics for public adoption and a digital media expert in the clean technology transportation field.

Mr. Robert Hall, on the other hand, is a trained automotive engineer. He is a technical and financial expert with knowledge on battery capacity/performance and optimal vehicle design.

Angara said that the forum shows that the move towards developing the EV and alternative transport sector of the country is gaining momentum, and that the government should also fast track incentives for local designers and manufacturers of these vehicles.

COMSTE is working with the Electric Vehicle Alliance of the Philippines (EVAP) to develop industry standards and also to do extensive R&D into making longer lasting and more efficient batteries for the vehicles.

The ADB is also funding an e trike project in line with the governments National Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to replace conventional modes of transport with more environmentally friendly options.

"Working together, we can give Manila cleaner air, bluer skies, and a more livable environment," said Kunio Senga, director general of ADB's Southeast Asia Department. "The Philippines is assuming a leading role in Asia in supporting green transportation alternatives, and if e-trikes are followed by new fleets of electric buses and jeepneys, the effect could be transformative."

Currently Makati, Puerto Princesa, Pasig and Mandaluyong have electric vehicle programs.

Green Transport Initiative

The Green Transport initiative and Electric Vehicle program, was conceptualized by COMSTE under the Renewable Energy Research and Development Institute (RERDI) and will be implemented in cooperation with the DOST and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). The project will promote the development of new technology that can produce more efficient, low cost batteries and new electric vehicle design initiatives.

Angara said that innovative Green transport systems such as electric tricycles, hybrid jeepneys, buses and electric bicycles have the potential to lessen pollution caused by conventional transportation.

The COMSTE model for Green Transport includes the use of renewable energy sources such as biofuels, like algae, which will in turn charge the batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles, creating a sustainable green transportation system.