It’s more or less a given now that the automotive landscape is heading towards an EV future. That’s even more so now that fuel prices have been fluctuating. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is heeding the call and wants to be at the forefront of investing and pushing electric mobility transportation projects.
In a recently held virtual press conference, the DOST laid out its plan to invest PHP 321 Million to further electric transportation projects, with a goal to help combat rising fuel prices and curb negative environmental impacts.
During the press conference, the DOST also presented a number of its planned initiatives that make up the project, these are:
1. E-Mobility R&D Center – The country’s first e-trike center which will be established in Cagayan.
2. Intelligent Electric Transportation Systems – DOST’s initiative to manufacture e-vehicles that will use locally available materials and be made by Filipino engineers.
3. Charging in Minutes (CharM) -This project aims for the viability of e-vehicles to fully charge in under 30 minutes.
4. 23-seater Electric Jeepney (E-Jeepney) – Designed to be used for both logistics and passenger transport.
5. Safe and efficient solar-assisted, plug-in electric boat.
6. Plans for a modular stator, segmented rotor switched reluctance motor.
7. Assembly of aluminum-air reactor battery.
8. NICER R&D Center for Advanced Batteries -This advanced center will be responsible for proper research and development projects in partnership with local universities.
9. NextGen: Advanced Cathode Materials for Next-Generation Batteries
Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) also says that electric vehicle batteries have fewer moving parts, which makes them less expensive to maintain as compared to normal internal combustion engines.
The DOST’s willingness to further the technology and viability of electric vehicles locally is a strong statement that should not stop with them. All Government agencies should work hand in hand to push alternative mobility options in the Philippines.
Are you in favor of moving towards an EV future? Let us know in the comments below.
