DOE Backs E-Vehicles Development

(Pasay City). Electric vehicles (EV) are the future of motoring and the Department of Energy (DOE) under Secretary Alfonso Cusi has assured industry stakeholders of its full support for the continued development of EVs or e-vehicles in the country.

With Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III speaking on behalf of Cusi, the DOE made the assurance during the ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Summit at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“Through a concerted effort, we have to develop a conducive, open-access and non-discriminatory environment for EVs to thrive and settle into the mainstream,” said Pulido.

The DOE official stressed that the industry must ensure the operation of adequate recharging stations and after sales support if e-vehicles are to take the place of vehicles running on fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel

“The industry should be bent on continuing to improve the performance, mileage and durability of EVs, so that these vehicles develop over time both in capacity and reputation that will match and stand toe-to-toe — or wheel-to-wheel — with their petroleum-powered counterparts,” Pulido pointed out.

Pulido underlined the government’s efforts to incentivize the industry, including the programs being implemented of the Bureau of Investments for nascent industries such as EVs.

The DOE has drawn up an Alternative Fuel Roadmap, which embodies the country’s immediate and long-term strategies concerning the said industry, the DOE official said.

Last May, the DOE in partnership with the Japan Government turned over the “next-generation vehicles” to selected government agencies, especially in the Yolanda-stricken areas, for practical testing and operation, research and development, and technical familiarization.

It also formulated with the help of various stakeholders the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program, which aims to ensure that all energy-consuming products, including light vehicles, will meet the set energy performance requirements for consumer benefit.

Pulido asked EV stakeholders to spread positive awareness of the benefits of using e-vehicles. (DOE Press Release)