Electrifying the Future: Insights on Electric Vehicles in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The 7th Liveable Cities Lab of 2024, held on November 20, 2024 titled Electric Vehicles: Ride Into the Future, explored the transformative potential of electric vehicles (EVs) as a cornerstone of sustainable transport systems.


The event examined the latest progress and innovations in EVs, addressing critical challenges such as high adoption costs, limited charging infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles. It also highlighted the environmental, economic, and social benefits of transitioning to EVs. This Lab brought together distinguished experts from government, the private sector, and technology providers to foster a dynamic dialogue aimed at accelerating the shift to cleaner, more sustainable urban transportation. The insights shared during the session underscored the pivotal role of EVs in shaping future-ready, liveable cities. This session provided practical solutions and inspiring strategies for overcoming barriers to EV adoption, paving the way for cities that are not only sustainable but also resilient and future-ready.


Electric Vehicles: Shaping the Future of Urban Mobility

The 7th Liveable Cities Lab of 2024, held on November 20, delved deep into the transformative potential of Electric Vehicles (EVs) as the cornerstone of sustainable urban transportation. Titled Electric Vehicles: Ride Into the Future, this forward-looking event brought together experts from government, private sectors, and technology providers to address the challenges and opportunities in accelerating EV adoption.

Why Electric Vehicles Matter

Electric vehicles are not merely about replacing internal combustion engines; they represent a paradigm shift toward sustainability, resilience, and liveability in urban spaces. As the world grapples with climate change, EVs offer a tangible solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They promise cleaner air, quieter cities, and enhanced energy efficiency. The discussion underscored EVs’ pivotal role in transforming urban landscapes into future-ready, liveable cities.



Key Barriers to EV Adoption

Despite their transformative potential, EVs face critical hurdles that slow widespread adoption:


Cost and Accessibility: The high initial cost of EVs, including batteries and maintenance, makes them less accessible to the broader public.

Infrastructure: Limited charging stations and inconsistent policies regarding EV infrastructure pose significant obstacles to seamless integration.

Policy and Regulation: Bureaucratic delays and lack of cohesive regulations often impede the pace of EV adoption.
Innovations and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers

The lab offered practical insights and strategies to address these challenges:


Localized Solutions: Freddie Tinga, known for his innovative urban projects, emphasized the importance of integrating EV infrastructure with smart city planning​. He highlighted how tailored policies can address unique urban challenges.

Private Sector Initiatives: Dennis Ng’s presentation on green trucking illuminated the corporate sector’s role in transitioning to sustainable logistics. He showcased real-world solutions that align economic viability with environmental goals​.

Collaborative Models: Mayor Wes Gatchalian’s initiatives showcased how local governments can act as catalysts, promoting EVs through incentives and infrastructure support​.



Looking Ahead: A Future Driven by EVs

The 7th Liveable Cities Lab concluded on an optimistic note, with a shared vision for a future where EVs are integral to urban planning. By addressing cost barriers, investing in infrastructure, and fostering innovation, cities can accelerate the transition to EVs, creating environments that are not only sustainable but also socially and economically inclusive.

The Lab reaffirmed that EVs are not just vehicles; they are engines of change, driving humanity toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.



Electrifying the Future: How New Energy Vehicles Are Transforming Philippine Mobility

Imagine a cleaner, more efficient way of moving through our bustling cities. Electric vehicles (EVs) aren't just a technological marvel—they're a solution to some of our most pressing urban challenges. And in the Philippines, we're standing at the cusp of a transportation revolution.

The Urgent Need for Change

Transportation isn't just about getting from point A to point B. It's about the profound impact our mobility choices have on the environment and public health. Consider these staggering statistics:The automotive industry contributes 10% of global CO2 emissions
Transport accounts for up to one-third of all emissions in the Philippines
Air pollution causes a shocking 620,414 total deaths annually, with 11% of national deaths linked to environmental pollutants

Within the transportation sector, the breakdown of emissions is revealing:Jeepneys: 33%
Three-wheelers: 18%
Four-wheelers: 13%
Heavy and medium-duty vehicles: 13%
Two-wheelers: 10%

The New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Revolution

New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) aren't just an alternative—they're a comprehensive solution to urban mobility challenges. Companies like ACMobility are leading this transformation, offering a diverse range of electric vehicles that cater to different needs and preferences.
Economic and Environmental Benefits

The economic case for EVs is compelling. Let's break down a comparative analysis between a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and an electric crossover:

5-Year Cost of Ownership Comparison:Total Fuel/Electricity Costs:ICEV: ~₱320,000
EV: ₱62,500
Maintenance Costs:ICEV: ~₱140,000
EV: ₱36,000

Total Savings: Approximately 16-18% over five years

Regional Context and Growth

The EV adoption is not just a Filipino phenomenon but a regional trend:

Thailand: 13.4% of car sales are EVs
Malaysia: 2.5% of car sales
Indonesia: 2.5% of car sales
Philippines: 1% of car sales (up from less than 0.1% just a few years ago)

ACMobility: Pioneering the EV Landscape

ACMobility has positioned itself as a leader in the Philippine EV market, offering an impressive lineup:

Compact Options:

BYD Dolphin (Compact Hatchback): ₱1.4M
BYD Seagull (Mini Hatchback): ₱898K

SUV Range:BYD Tang: ₱3.3M
BYD Sealion 6: ₱1.5M
Kia EV6: ₱3.7M
Kia EV9: ₱5.9M

Sedans:BYD Han (Executive Sedan): ₱3.1M
BYD Seal (Performance Sedan): ₱2.5M
Charging Infrastructure: The Backbone of EV Adoption

ACMobility is not just selling vehicles—they're building an ecosystem. As of October 2024, they have:

50 locations and 111 charging points

Strategically placed across major cities and commercial centers

The Road Ahead

The shift to electric vehicles represents more than a technological upgrade. It's a commitment to cleaner air, reduced environmental impact, and a more sustainable future for urban mobility.

As Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala eloquently puts it: "Innovations in mobility have empowered generations of people and economies to move and grow." The EV revolution is not just coming—it's already here.

Are you ready to be part of the electric mobility future?

“Deserve ko ‘to”: How to Satisfy Your Holiday Impulse Buying

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Holiday bazaars have always been a staple shopping destination during the Christmas season. These events feature various options from toys and trinkets to RTW’s and food products that are locally made and proudly Filipino. People come to these bazaars for last-minute shopping and to find gifts that are perfect as either presents to their loved ones, or pasalubong for their balik-bayan friends or relatives. However, the problem that most holiday bazaars face is that they need to bring in something new and refreshing every year which would entice people to come over and shop. The World Bazaar Festival aims to break this stigma of bazaars and plans on being the “one-stop shop” for holiday fun and bringing something unique every year!

The World Bazaar Festival (WBF) is the biggest and most festive charity bazaar in the Philippines, and it is open for everyone of all ages. Visitors are drawn towards the World Bazaar Festival for exclusive discounts and unique items that are perfect as Christmas gifts. On the other hand, visitors have also come to the bazaar to see the exciting activities and shows that we have prepared for everyone to watch. There are many things that make the World Bazaar Festival very distinct from the rest of the known holiday bazaars. One key difference is the variety of products that World Bazaar Festival offers, from beauty products, accessories and perfumes to shoes, electronics, home decors and even gifts for your fur babies!

Another aspect that makes WBF stand out from the rest of the holiday bazaars is the wide range of activities that occur during the 10 days of the event. Aside from the different exhibitors and sellers present at the World Bazaar Festival, Worldbex Services International (WSI) has lots of planned shows and competitions. These activities, such as the POP Diva and Woobie’s CosWalk, are sure to make visitors excited for these unique events not found in any other bazaar in the Philippines. The World Bazaar Festival also boasts its interactive live-streaming online show called “Jingle Mingle”, a show that gives a shining spotlight to the different exhibitors present in the bazaar, giving them a platform to advertise and showcase their goods for visitors to be excited for. This type of format was never present in any other holiday event, making the World Bazaar Festival a trailblazer in creating a new way for online interaction.

The World Bazaar Festival is changing the culture of how bazaars are done in the Philippines, satisfying the Filipino trait of impulse buying during the holidays and adding unique experiences for bazaaristas to enjoy. This bazaar will make you believe that you deserve to have more and make the best out of the holiday season. So SHOP ALL THE WAY because you deserve this!

Angara underscores critical need for allied education professionals

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Education Secretary Sonny Angara recently shared that the Department of Education (DepEd) is coordinating with other government agencies to revise the current guidelines on expanding the pool of professionals to provide socio-emotional support to public school learners.

“We desperately need professionals who can shepherd and set up our students for success. We are currently working with other government agencies to relax regulations, allow psychometricians to come into the system, and temporarily fill the gap,” Secretary Angara said in a keynote speech during the Philippine Association for the Gifted (PAG) Conference.

The Education Chief emphasized that the country only has around 4,000 guidance counselor vacancies in basic education. He also noted that there are only 96 development pediatricians to serve 5.1 million learners living with disabilities.

“Our gifted and talented deserve not just cognitive acceleration but also socio-emotional support,” Sec. Angara noted.

As part of the agency’s initiative to help talented learners, the Department likewise noted that the budget proposal for the Philippine High School for the Arts and National Academy of Sports increased significantly to cater to more learners nationwide.

Meanwhile, Sec. Angara expressed his gratitude to the PAG for their support in developing and improving the public school teachers.

“Progress is a shared responsibility. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa PAG, for their offer to help train our public school teachers. Our goal is to further capacitate schools and teachers to assess gifted and talented learners effectively.”

PAG President Francis Dimalanta, MD., Dr. Kaye Napalinga, and former University of the Philippines Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla delivered their respective welcome remarks to the participants. Their attendance in the conference counts towards their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) completion.