E-vehicle makers collaborate on common transport solution

MANILA, Philippines - Electric vehicle assemblers and manufacturers are setting competition aside in a move to accelerate the development of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

In a statement, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said it is embarking on an ambitious program to have its member-companies collaborate to provide a complete electric vehicle transport solution to clients.

EVAP president Rommel Juan said it would be best for electric vehicle assemblers, manufacturers, and suppliers to join forces since the goods and services required in the electric vehicle industry could not be supplied by a single company at present.

Juan said such move would not only benefit the industry in general but would also improve the electric vehicle players’ chances of securing transport projects given that each member-company would need other member firms’ goods and services.

 “Our membership consists of manufacturers, assemblers, suppliers, importers, dealers, fleet operators and battery makers. They need to provide a complete package of electric vehicle transport solution that includes electric vehicles, battery swapping arrangements, charging stations, after sales services, fleet management, spare parts support and the like,” Juan said.

“We therefore are working so that EVAP members can form collaborations to service the Philippine electric vehicle market and be an example for the whole region,” he added.

The EVAP chief said there are different areas in the country at present which are interested in implementing electric vehicle mass transport programs.

 “We therefore are now organizing members so that we do not become competitors but instead we become partners and collaborators. The market is big enough for everyone, there is enough room for each member in his own niche market,” Juan said. – Richmond Mercurio, Danessa Rivera