DOST Champions Electromobility with Academe, Private Sector; New e-Mobility Techs Underway
As the Philippines’ search for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources intensifies, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is collaborating with the academe and the private sector, highlighting the need for a holistic, multi-sectoral effort, to fast-track the use of electric transportation in the country.
Even before the current energy crisis brought about by recent global developments, the world was already researching and developing green fuel sources, including renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and biofuels, to minimize global warming.
In the Philippines, one of the sectors in urgent need of cleaner and more sustainable sources of power is the transportation sector.
Through its Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), the Cagayan State University established the Electromobility Research and Development Center (EMRDC) for e-mobility technology development. With over P79.4 million in funding from DOST, CSU’s projects are focused on green urban transport, including the C-Trike conversion initiative, the 18-seater E-Tranvia in Intramuros, and upcoming electric maritime vehicles.
The Electric Tranvia, which replaced the traditional Tranvia that once conveyed visitors around the historic streets of the Walled City of Intramuros, was developed through the initiative of the DOST-National Capital Region (NCR), DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), and the Cagayan State University (CSU).
Moreover, CSU Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Prof. Audy Quebral said that they are about to finish an electric bus and units of electric boats. He also envisions that these boats will soon be used for transportation and tourism instead of their traditional use for fishing, as this would help reduce carbon emissions.
The DOST presented the latest initiative in e-mobility technology development last June 15 with the signing of a Memornadum of Understanding between the CSU-EMRDC and its private sector partner, Utitco Motors Corporation.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang hailed the new partnership as a means to accelerate the future of Filipino electric mobility and smart transportation.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. articulated what the new agreement means for the ordinary commuters and vehicle owners, saying that “My instruction really is to lower the cost of conversion (of conventional / traditional vehicles) to electric vehicle.”
Utitco Motors, while a relative newcomer in the industry, is considered one of the country’s more promising electric vehicle manufacturers, with its popular flagship Model 1-SR electric sports motorcycle. Like CSU, it has expressed its commitment to Filipino engineering and manufacturing. During the event, Mr. Michael Lenard Utitco, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Utitco Motors Corporation, thanked DOST and CSU as the new collaboration will help them to make Filipino talents be recognized globally.
This latest initiative from DOST aims not only to promote homegrown technologies, but to also support the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable modes of transportation.
By Pinky Foz Marcelo of TSS
