THE Department of Energy (DOE) Mindanao Field Office aims to achieve a 50 percent transport mix of electric and hybrid vehicles by 2040.
Engr. Adrian Mel Delola, senior science research specialist of DOE-Mindanao, encouraged the public to adopt hybrid or electric vehicles, as the city's roads are still dominated by fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Speaking at Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, December 2, 2024, at SM City Davao, he emphasized the importance of incentives to attract investors.
“We encourage investors especially our fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to promote them para gusto nilang mag explore mag negosyo dito that will help them na kinikailangan ng government promote into have as many electric vehicles to complete road map for 2040 which is 50 percent (We encourage investors with our fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to explore business opportunities here. This will support the government's goal of promoting electric vehicles to achieve the 2040 roadmap target),” Delola said.
He highlighted Luzon's progress, particularly in the National Capital Region, where electric vehicles and charging stations are becoming more common. This growth is attributed to DOE initiatives and policies like Republic Act 11697 (Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA) and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, which mandate the transition to electric transport for better fuel efficiency.
In Davao City, Delola noted their coordination with the local government on the Davao Bus Project, which includes plans to establish lanes for light electric bikes and encourage the use of e-vehicles and electric buses.
To address infrastructure needs, the DOE-Mindanao Field Office has installed charging stations at its office and partnered with SM malls and various car brands to expand access. Efforts are underway to increase the number of charging stations in the city to meet rising e-vehicle demand. RGP