After securing ADB’s approval, DOE kicks off rollout of 3,000 e-trikes

Following the go-signal of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the proposed modification on its distribution framework, the Department of Energy (DOE) has already kicked off rollout of the 3,000 electric tricycles (e-trikes) that shall serve as the government’s trailblazing initiative on the country’s electric mobility aspirations.

“The rollout process begins now,” DOE Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III noted, adding that the target completion of the e-trikes’ deployment will be June, 2018.

He emphasized “the proposed revised deployment models that will be reflected in the Project Administration Manual has been approved by both the DOF (Department of Finance) and the ADB.”

Pulido further indicated that “the amendments to the loan agreement are about to be signed by Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez.”

Notably, it was the Philippine government, through the DOE, which sought the changes in the terms of the loan covering the 3,000 e-trikes.

So far, that was the only volume left, out of the 100,000 e-trikes that had been initially targeted for deployment na- tionwide. It is worth noting that Energy Secretary Alfonso G.Cusi moved for the cancellation of the loan component that will supposedly cover the heftier balance of 97,000 fleets.

Cusi reckoned that the terms of the loan for the e-trike units would not end up beneficial to the drivers, as well as the local government units (LGUs) that had been asked to commit their internal revenue allotments (IRAs) as form of guarantee to the ADB credit facility.

Onward, Pulido expounded that “in starting the deployment of the e-trikes under the revised models, we have sent letters to various LGUs and NGAs (national government agencies) to discuss various options for them to avail of the e-trikes.”

Cusi similarly apprised media that availment of the e-trikes may also cover even interested parties from the private sector.

Beyond the e-trikes as proof-ofconcept to the country’s stride into decarbonizing its transport sector, the DOE is further envisioning expansion to e-jeepneys and even buses.

Support infrastructure facilities, such as charging stations, are also in the investment paradigm being promoted by the energy department to catapult electric.