Sustainable Mobility in the Public Transport Sector -- The Philippines

The Philippines government decision to replace more than 4,000,000 old polluting Public Transport vehicles (PUVs) is commendable. In the longer term, non-fossil fuel PUVs are the sustainable solution –Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). The challenge is to provide a financial mechanism that allows for marginalized borrowers to afford their vehicles, structure the PUV fleet management policy that enables all who wish to participate, provide a refueling infrastructure (battery charging) that guarantees an operational range without stopping to charge. Affordability is achieved through the use of innovative and institutionally acceptable repayment plans. Where the grid supply is erratic (even in the cities) electricity must be available for the EV to refuel and operate. An EV charging solution that does not overload the available capacity and cause a power outage, or result in the vehicle to be a victim of one, requires a proven, reliable and affordable solution.