Dennis Ng and his company, Mober, is making great strides as it transforms the logistics industry in the Philippines.

Dennis is an accountant by profession but is an entrepreneur by heart. Defining himself as a serial entrepreneur, Dennis has shown success by venturing into diverse sectors including a thriving salt trading company and even a showbiz magazine publisher. The publication is the only free showbiz magazine of its kind and has been distributed in Hong Kong, Singapore, Guam and Japan.

It was this venture that led Dennis to look into logistics in a deeper way. When Dennis encountered issues with logistics for having his papers delivered, his quick thinking soon gave rise to Mober. Founded in 2015, Mober initially aimed to address the on-demand logistical needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite economic turmoil due to the pandemic in October 2021, Mober saw the need to trailblaze the green movement and made its bold move and invested in its first EV fleet.

Eight years later, Mober has now grown into a B2B logistics provider that helps businesses decarbonize their delivery quickly, accelerating their sustainability goals. Currently, Mober provides green logistics services to the country's well-loved brands such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Unilever Philippines, Nestle Philippines, and Nespresso, as well as renowned logistics companies Maersk and Kuehne+Nagel.

To further describe Mober he shared, "Established in July 2015, Mober is a Manila-based third-party delivery service company that promotes sustainable logistics practices through the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Mober helps companies decarbonize their delivery quickly without having to invest in expensive EV trucks."

"With a current fleet of 60 vehicles, including 39 e-trucks, 17 e-vans, and 4 three-wheelers, Mober is targeting expanding its green delivery services across Southeast Asia and aiming for a fleet of 500 EVs within the next two years. Mober embodies the essence of sustainability, spearheading initiatives to shape a greener delivery and transport industry for a better future. It stands as a beacon of sustainable progress in the logistics industry, continuously striving to carve a path towards a greener Philippines," he added.

This is what led to transforming logistics in the Philippines.

Dennis continued, "Mober has significantly transformed logistics in the Philippines by pioneering the shift toward sustainable delivery practices. Mober understands the shift to more sustainable logistics operations needs a substantial investment for businesses."

While the Philippine government has been taking steps to encourage the market towards faster adoption of EVs with various legislative support, including the passage of the Republic Act (RA) 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) Law, the signing of the Executive Order No. 12 by President Bongbong Marcos aiming to lower EV prices and make them more affordable and accessible to consumers, and the recent introduction of the Electric Vehicle Incentives Scheme (EVIS) by the Department of Trade and Industry pushing to accelerate the development of the local EV industry, there's still a significant gap that needs to be addressed. "Since its inception, the company has been a trailblazer in the logistics industry in the Philippines, assisting businesses towards more eco-friendly and sustainable delivery practices," he shared.

By introducing its electric fleet in 2021, Mober has prompted the beginning of the shift towards more sustainable mobility. By partnering with retail giants who align with the company's sustainability practices, Mober has inspired some local businesses to jumpstart their sustainability journey and contribute to achieving a clean economy. Mober is also reshaping the traditionally male-dominated logistics industry. With co-founder Jade Hugo at the helm, Mober is proud to be standing alongside women taking on positions such as green delivery specialists (GDS) and furniture assemblers.

Dennis believes that shifting to EVs will allow more companies to operate more efficiently while also contributing to efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. By collaborating with other logistics firms, Ng aims to spark a broader movement towards sustainable practices in the Philippines' transport sector.

The path to widespread EV adoption in the Philippines faces several significant hurdles. There is a lack of public charging facilities and a need for renewable energy sources to charge EVs. The limited utilization of advanced technology and inadequate infrastructure support for EVs further hinder their acceptance among motorists.

Despite these challenges, there are over 16,000 EV units on the road in the Philippines, with 95 percent of them being two-wheel EVs. Range anxiety remains a significant issue, as motorists are concerned that their EVs might deplete their charge before reaching a nearby charging station. Moreover, a shortage of qualified technicians and independent repair shops drives up repair and warranty costs for EV owners, adding to the obstacles faced in achieving widespread EV adoption.

Recognizing these challenges, Mober steps in as a solution provider, helping businesses achieve their net-zero emission goals efficiently.

To support its operations, Mober is setting up a 3,000-square-meter charging yard powered by 15 DC Fast chargers. Additionally, Mober has developed its own Battery Management System to improve the State of Health (SOH) of its EVs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In its pursuit of sustainability, Mober understands that true progress involves empowering individuals alongside implementing large-scale initiatives. Central to its operations is a commitment to redefining job roles to uplift its team. Mober celebrates its drivers by calling them Green Delivery Specialists (GDS), a title that emphasizes their pivotal role in the company's green initiatives and ensures they feel valued for their contribution to creating a sustainable future. Such initiatives underscore Mober's dedication to both environmental and social responsibility, placing equal emphasis on the well-being of its people and the planet.

Mober currently boasts a mixed fleet of 60 EVs, including e-vans and e-trucks, with plans to increase this number to 240 by the end of 2024. By 2025, the company aims to be the top-of-mind green logistics provider for mid and last-mile delivery in Southeast Asia's emerging markets, with a fleet of 500 EVs.

And this is only the beginning.

Dennis and Mober have ambitious plans for the future. Mober will set up two more charging yards in Laguna and Bulacan, which will eventually be open to the public exclusively for logistics use. Additionally, they will install fast chargers along the south road to Bicol, covering a distance of 1,000 kilometers.

Mober also aims to empower small logistics companies to transition to EVs by offering EV rentals. This initiative will help smaller players in the industry adopt sustainable practices, further contributing to a greener future.

With these plans, Dennis and Mober are not only advancing their mission for sustainability but also leading the way for the logistics industry in the Philippines to embrace environmentally friendly solutions.