Electromobility As a Source of Transportation in the Philippines
By: Dynamariss L. Duga-duga
Electromobility, or the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as a means of transportation, is gaining momentum in the Philippines as the government and private sector aim to reduce the country's carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. In this article, we will explore the state of electromobility in the Philippines, the benefits and challenges of its adoption, and its potential to transform the transportation sector in the country.
State of Electromobility in
the Philippines
The Philippines is among the countries in the world with the
high carbon emissions and the government stated that an emission reduction
target of 70% until 2030 with international support. Transport is the largest
source of air pollution and energy-related Greenhouse gases (GHG) (34% of total
GHG emissions) in the country, whereby road transport is the largest
contributor (with over 80%)
As of 2022, there are over
9,000 EVs registered in the country, with the majority being e-tricycles and
e-jeepneys
Benefits and Challenges of
Electromobility
The adoption of
electromobility in the Philippines has numerous benefits. First and foremost,
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not contribute to air
pollution and the associated health risks. They also have the potential to
reduce the country's dependence on imported oil and to stabilize fuel prices.
Additionally, EVs have lower operating costs and require less maintenance
compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Another advantage of
electromobility is its potential to reduce the Philippines' dependence on
imported oil. Switching to electric vehicles can reduce this dependence and
help to diversify the country's energy sources. This could have significant
economic benefits, as it would reduce the country's vulnerability to oil price
shocks and increase energy security.
However, there are also
challenges to the widespread adoption of EVs in the country. One major
challenge is the lack of infrastructure, including charging stations and
battery-swapping facilities. This can make it difficult for EV owners to travel
long distances or to recharge their vehicles if they do not have access to a
home charging station. Additionally, the high upfront cost of EVs remains a
barrier for many Filipinos, despite government incentives and tax exemptions.
Potential for
Electromobility in the Philippines
Despite the challenges,
there is significant potential for electromobility to transform the
transportation sector in the Philippines. The Public Utility Vehicle
Modernization Program (PUVMP), for example, has the potential to not only
reduce emissions and improve air quality, but also to create jobs and stimulate
economic growth. In order to make the nation's public transportation system
effective and ecologically sustainable in the succeeding years, the Department
of Transportation developed the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program
(PUVMP) in 2017
Moreover, the adoption of
EVs can support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy and help
achieve its climate goals. The Philippines is a signatory to the Paris
Agreement, and has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by
2030
In conclusion, the
adoption of electric vehicles could offer a solution to many of the challenges
facing the transportation sector in the Philippines. The benefits of
electromobility include the reduction of air pollution, decreased dependence on
imported oil, and potential economic benefits. While there are challenges to
its widespread adoption, the government is taking steps to address these, and
it is likely that we will see more electric vehicles on the roads of the
Philippines in the coming years.
References
[1] TRANSfer, 2016. [Online]. Available: http://www.transferproject.org/projects/transfer-partner-countries/philippines/. [Accessed 19 Feb 2023].
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