Prozza Hirose launches E-trikes in Cebu
In its efforts to replace traditional tricycles with a more environmentallyfriendly alternative, Japanese company Prozza Hirose Manufacturing Inc. recently launched the Pecolo e-trikes in Cebu.
The Pecolo, which stands for Philippine Ecology, is a passengertype tricycle that runs on batteries.
With this technology developed by Japanese engineers, the e-trikes are easier to maintain for operators, and offers a more quiet and comfortable riding experience for passengers. Each e-trike can seat six people.
Along with the e-trikes, Prozza Hirose also launched a charging station located in Tayud, Consolacion.
The charging station is a battery-exchange system, in which operators can simply replace their batteries with another one, without having to wait for the battery they're using to be fully-charged. Each battery runs for three to four hours.
The Pecolo e-trikes began as a project for the Asian Development Program for LGUs, pioneered by the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism for a green Philippines.
Pecolo e-trikes are assembled in Cebu, and currently have 60-70 units on hand ready for interested operators. It is set to pile up stocks to cater to the growing demand. The company is also developing a cargo-type vehicle.
Prozza Hirose is targeting rural areas that use traditional tricycles as a primary means of transportation, although the Pecolo e-trikes are also ideal as a shuttle for sprawling hotels and resorts.
Although it is new in Cebu, Pecolo e-trikes have been utilized by Boracay Island as a means of transportation from the airport.