A solar-powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) featuring three charging terminals capable of servicing six electric vehicles simultaneously was launched in Pasig City as part of the Promotion of Low Carbon Urban Transport Systems in the Philippines (LCT) Project of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Philippines and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), with support from the Global Environment Facility.
The launch event was held at the Pasig Kabuhayan Center. It was attended by UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, DOTr Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, DPWH-NCR Assistant Regional Director Joel Limpengco, Lone District of Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, Jr., and other national and city government officials and representatives from various transport groups.
The EVCS will cater mainly to Pasig City's fleet of light electric vehicles composed of e-trikes, e-quads, and e-bikes. The facility will also be open to the public to service personal mobility EVs like e-scooters. It can also accommodate electric cars, SUVs, and select models of electric jeepneys for regular charging.
Sotto hailed the EVCS as an important addition to the city's renewable energy initiatives.
"The City of Pasig remains committed towards promoting a more sustainable future. Besides this project, we also have our fleet of EVs in the city. We also have been installing solar panels across the city. Right now, we approximately have 20 government facilities that [are] already solar-powered," he shared in his message.
"[Today's launch] is a solid realization of all our combined efforts not only in promoting the use of EVs but also in improving our public transportation. Through the adoption of EVs, we are addressing the country's major concerns such as air pollution and traffic congestion, as this shift can lead to cleaner air and also improved public health in general," said Undersecretary Lontoc.
Dr. Ramachandran highlighted the potential of homegrown talent, stating that, "notably, the electric vehicle charging station technology that we have employed is locally developed, showcasing the potential of Filipino talent and scaling up local innovations within the country. Beyond the LCT Project, UNDP remains committed to supporting the country in accelerating the achievement of sustainable development."
As the facility is solar-powered, it can operate off-grid and can still continue functioning during blackouts. It is also capable of net-metering, allowing it to export surplus solar power to the grid, resulting in significant savings credited to the facility's electricity bill. Pasig City plans to expand the facility to include fast charging.
The UNDP-DOTr LCT Project targets to create an enabling environment for the adoption of low carbon urban transport systems in the Philippines through, policy support, institutional capacity development and awareness, and investment in LCT. Its four pilot areas include the cities of Baguio, Iloilo, Pasig, and Sta. Rosa.