SPARK CHANGE: The 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit

Went to the 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit this morning at the SMX Convention Center. Things may have looked like distant future 12 years ago, but today, electric vehicles are a norm. Government passed laws, and an electrified Philippines is here.

The DOT, BYD, EV Corp, Hyundai, Nissan, Vinfast, AC Mobility, MG, Seres, Meralco, Honda, NWOW, Toyota, Vapor, Toyo, Chery, Lynx, and a whole lot more joined the event and made things possible. They called the event SPARK CHANGE which makes sense because people haven't been as adaptive (though sales are aggressively up), hence the need for more people to plug in, and make travel environmentally friendly. There are a lot more players from China and locally, so the options for different kinds of vehicles are still growing. They were all eager to showcase their latest ones, from Trucks, Jeeps, SUV's, sedans and bikes, so you should definitely go give them a visit because they'll be there til the 28th this month.

Edmun Araga of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines says "We are 15 years old today, but rolling out this event for 12. This will be bigger than last year to push for the electric vehicle use. We still have a long way to go, but plan to grow more in the coming years. We want to have transformative shift, and invite to make the change for an electrified future, not just 4 wheels, but boats, buses, trucks, even airplanes too. We are starting to target students, and reaching the ASEAN region to introduce on EV Technology and build careers in this industry. There will be challenges, but there are experiences to learn to debunk myths, have a panel discuss more about policies here and globally."

VP of Meralco Ronnie Aberrocho also sent their message about sustainable mobility and how it could impact the future. They are powering structures, to hopefully have 25 percent be in clean reliable energy. From zero emissions, it would drive the Philippines into the future.

DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentabella says "We are fastracking technology in the country and LGU's anticipating the need for it in other parts of the country. Usually we find difficulty in making policies as with our ASEAN neighbors. The procurement of vehicles is a must, for government to pursue that, there will be unconditional things we have to do. The climate commission approves incentives for green jobs, like in this industry. To the EVAP, thank you for opening your doors 24/7, we see this as a community. This is a great opportunity for us to gather individuals who see this as a simpler technology. The incentives, lower taxes, are already happening. We have to look into our targets, try to look into the data of other countries doing it. This will enable the Philippines to compete, and encourage more to invest. We need to have 50 percent penetration of EV's, that's our target. Congrats EVAP and more power!"

VP and Executive Director for the Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje adds "Today's event shapes the future we desire. This requires change, and when we were appointed, we immediately set a talk with DOE to understand it fully. We now see concrete changes, and the future is bright. There are challenges, but it is an issue that affects everyone. Renewable energy is one aspect, to increase capacity and lessen emissions. We want to have 10 percent adoption by 2040. Decarbonizing is part of it, of a broader climate strategy because lives are at stake. Our role is vital and we are working closely with other government units to make this a reality. We need to approach it with a multi mode manner, not only cars but mass transportation. We need an integrated plan for green transportation and see the need how public and private partnerships ensure this be done by more green jobs and implementation. Investing in the skills of the workforce, build infrastructure and define the world for the next generation. We need to decide, to be responsive to the needs of our economy."

Let's all push for greener energy, spark change and see the possibilities of how you can drive electric. Visit the event at SMX Convention Center today til the 26th.

CLOWNS in an ESCALADE?

Looks like talk has been running around town about an Escalade plated number 7 that's being used for personal golf and c@sin0 time that has been seen trooping EDSA's bus lane reserved for carousel vehicles. Mind you, there's an Administrative Order 239 that bars ALL government vehicles to be used other than in official business. This is certainly alarming. 

This person who is using it they say doesn't even have a government post, but a Dad of one, of whom is also allegedly known for destroying natural resources and not even sure if he's Filipino or not. Rumor says, he's even allegedly still facing a lawsuit about his citizenship, which follows a lot of questions about his lifestyle and motives.

We have heard of people doing this, but is this on another level of abuse? No remorse or abuse of power? You be the judge!

Which is better, gasoline or diesel?

Motorheads have various opinions on which is better to have: a gasoline-powered or a diesel-propelled vehicle. Some would say the former has a lot more benefits than the other, and others, vice versa. So we listed down some points to consider if you’ll be getting either a diesel or a gasoline-fed vehicle.

MILEAGE

This would be the biggest consideration for many. Since everyone—and we do mean everyone—experiences long hours in traffic jams, getting a motor vehicle that would not guzzle up its fuel should be a priority. While there are lots of gasoline-powered vehicles in the market now that claim they have a high fuel-efficiency rating, most of the time, it’s the diesel-engined vehicles that take the cake. Carmudi reported that diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than its gasoline counterparts: some 25-30 percent more if based on figures. On an average, vehicles will be driven at about 48,000 kilometers in a span of three years. Based on Carmudi’s calculation two years ago, at an average price back then of P30 per liter on diesel and P40 on gas, one would have spent some P213,999 on petrol versus the P120,000 only on diesel.

PERFORMANCE

Diesel engines nowadays—thanks to its common-rail direct injection and turbocharging features—can provide more power and torque even at low RPMs, so there is no need to push the gas pedal harder to get that little more oomph. Gasoline-fed motors can provide equally-powerful figures in terms of power and torque, but unlike the diesel engines, it needs higher RPM to put out such numbers.

RESALE VALUE

We all know that all vehicles depreciate in value in time, that is why many owners tend to sell their vehicle after a few years. If you are that type of person,, then diesel engine is good for you. Go to both our new cars and used cars’ page and you will see that the prices of diesel-powered vehicles are usually higher compared to those propelled by gasoline. However, if buying price would be of consideration, petrol engines are much cheaper, meaning, they’re much easier to acquire compared to diesels.

CLEANER EMISSIONS

Without a doubt, gasoline trumps diesel engines on this. Usually, gasoline is more refined than diesel. Over time, smoke coming from diesel engines tend to be darker, especially when using low-grade diesel; CRDi are especially very sensitive to fuel quality. This is the reason diesel fuels need special additives and lubricants to maintain its healthy state. Gasoline, on the other hand, is easier to maintain and leaves lesser carbon footprints.

CONCLUSION

Truth is, it all depends on your preference. Getting a vehicle that fits your lifestyle, where you will be using it without undermining your financial capability, should dictate the vehicle that you will be having. Scout and get your preferred vehicle here.