HYBRID, ELECTRIC VEHICLES WILL CHANGE THE FACE
OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara has identified the use of clean, efficient and eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles as shaping the future of the public transport system.

Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), issued the statements as China-based electric vehicle manufacturer; BYD Co. Ltd. expressed renewed interest in becoming a player in the local e-vehicle scene.

Angara also expressed his support for the new eco-jeepney program of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the initiative of Iloilo city, which recently launched an electric jeepney program, adding that the program would complement the Green Transport initiative of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), which would help ease the nation's dependence on oil

He added that COMSTE has identified the development of electric vehicles and green transport as priority projects of the commission for 2011.

Angara said that creating a 'greener' public transport system would also lessen the dependency on oil and its fluctuating prices.

He also referred to a recent ADB study showed that Metro Manila ranks high among the megacities of Asia that have air quality problems, with a level of suspended particulate matter (SPM) that is more than double the standard of the World Health Organization. The DENR has also identified that 70% of air pollution in Metro Manila is from motor vehicles, "highlighting the need for a cleaner mode of transport," Angara said

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.

Supporting local manufacturers

Angara also urged the government to fast track the development of the electric vehicle industry by providing additional incentives and tax breaks for electric and hybrid manufacturers and importers.

He said that the government needs to support the young industry, which encourages local innovation and promotes eco-friendly transportation.

In a recent hearing at the senate concerning bills on hybrid and electric vehicles and on the granting of tax incentives for manufacturers and importers, Angara said that providing incentives would give consumers more reason to purchase and use the eco-friendly vehicles.

He noted that the development of an e-vehicle industry would help stimulate job growth in the new industry, which has the potential to grow into exports to the South East Asian market.

Angara noted that COMSTE has been working closely with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) to lay out plans for developing e vehicle standards for the industry, a main driver in creating proper policies for the industry.