When was the last time you made a road trip to Ilocos Norte? Do you remember the sites you visited for that family photo or selfie? Chances are, one of them was the windmill farm in either Bangui or Burgos.
To see these majestic structures in the flesh can be awe-inspiring. And aside from their imposing presence, the fact that they represent a new way of thinking – power from renewable energy sources – also speaks volumes about the future of this country.
The Philippine government aims to have renewable energy produce 35% of the country’s energy needs by 2030. Solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal energy sources, ones we can readily harness, currently account for 29% of the energy production mix. And while transmission rates remain high, a problem the government should address, we are on track to becoming more independent and secure with our energy needs.
Renewable energy is seen as the solution to our fossil fuel-fed craving for power and mobility. It is a path that can take us away from our addiction to imported crude oil. It is a viable solution to our skyrocketing electricity bills. And it brings logic to the push for electric vehicle adoption in the country.
In Europe, where renewable energy is more readily available, EVs have been seeing a rising share of the market. Tesla is now ranked number 2 there in terms of market share gain despite having an all-EV lineup. China, which makes full use of its nuclear power plants, is now the largest market for EVs with 3.2 million sold in 2021. So one does not really have to look far to justify why car brands are making an effort to have electrification in their model lineup. People are looking for them, and brands have to deliver.
With the lapsing into law of Republic Act 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, last April 15th, industry players are now gearing up for the next generation of vehicles that rely on electricity for propulsion.
Even without the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations yet, car companies have been contemplating on which EV models to bring in to take advantage of the potential subsidies and tax breaks. Malls and fast food chains have started to put up EV charging stations and parking slots. Weltmeister, a startup China EV brand, has also set up shop in BGC and introduced a compact SUV running on battery power. BYD has long been offering a few EVs as well. Much like any bandwagon effect for perceived novelties, the electric vehicle is slowly becoming a serious alternative for those who can afford it.
Locally, there is already a manufacturing industry in place for EV buses and tricycles. Scaling it up with the right incentives and further government prodding to switch from diesel burning buses to EVs might just be the push needed to persuade the public to consider them for their personal mobility.
Imagine EDSA with E-buses. Or Quiapo with E-jeeps. Or how about your village or subdivision allowing only E-trikes to maintain peace and quiet in the neighborhood? Can’t say we will miss those 2-stroke fumes. Metro Manila will look less dingy from the soot internal combustion engines spew onto roads, bridges and buildings. And maybe just have clear enough skies to see the Sierra Madre range again from our city homes.
At a selling entry price hovering in the sub-2 to 3 million peso range, current available EVs and hybrids don’t stand a chance of instigating a mass adoption or transition, if you will. What our market needs are cheap, reliable EV options with robust warranty and servicing plans to get the ball rolling.
Our frenemy, China, got the formula right. While luxury car-priced EVs from Tesla, BYD, Nio, and XPeng thrive in the Chinese market, there are also more affordable and basic options car buyers can choose from. The Hongguan Mini, a collaboration between SAIC, General Motors and Wuling was the best selling EV in China last year. And it costs only $4,500 or about P235,000 with today’s conversion. Plus of course, shipping and administrative costs if it makes its way here. With its limited range, it will most likely not make it to Baguio on a single charge, but for everyday QC to Makati workday commutes, or short hops to the mall for example, it will be ideal.
The race to have decent quality, EV options that won’t break the bank is on. With electric vehicle industry development now a law, there is more clarity in terms of planning and marketing these cars to the public. Charging station incentives will provide a reason for commercial establishments and traditional fuel stops to set them up in their parking spaces. So we will see more of these soon.
The future looks bright as they say. And perhaps this breeze of post-election fresh air is what we need to finally move this country forward.
