President Marcos Jr. plans to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs nationwide, citing lower operating costs that could help drivers and transport operators earn more while reducing commuting expenses.
“This is what we will be rolling out across the Philippines,” Marcos Jr. said during an inspection of the Balanga Green Mobility Hub in Bataan.
The facility has four charging stations capable of charging up to eight vehicles simultaneously, with a rate of P5 per kilowatt-hour.
Based on the project’s cost estimates, operating an electric tricycle costs P0.45 per kilometer, compared with P3.72 for a gasoline-powered unit. An electric bus costs P2.87 per kilometer to operate, against P26.29 for a diesel-powered bus.
Marcos Jr. said the savings would remain substantial even when charging stations draw electricity from the grid instead of solar power.
The hub has a 131-kilowatt-peak solar installation and battery storage. It is expected to serve up to 24 vehicles and 1,394 passengers daily.
Marcos Jr. said similar projects were being implemented in other local government units as the government seeks to expand EV use and reduce dependence on conventional fuels.IMT
