The Philippines is buzzing with excitement as electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure takes center stage, thanks to efforts from various companies to make EV charging more accessible for the growing number of electric car users. Leading the charge is ACMobility, whose latest venture is opening up new horizons for sustainable transport.
Recently, ACMobility inaugurated its newest charging hub at the UP Town Center located strategically along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. This location is prime, situated nearby reputable educational institutions such as the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and Miriam College. Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to deepen our commitment to sustainability by … helping to accelerate the transition to cleaner and greener mobility options.”
This new charging station isn't just about making EV charging available; it's also about catering to various needs. With six vehicle slots, the station is equipped for both private and public electric vehicles, including e-jeepneys and electric shuttles. The facility features one 120 kW DC fast charger, complemented by four AC chargers (two at 22 kW and two at 7 kW), all of which reflect ACMobility's commitment to supporting electrification across public transport systems.
ACMobility's UP Town Center project stands as the first collaboration with Meralco, the local energy distribution company, aiming to amplify the reach of electric charging facilities nationwide. Such partnerships are more than just business ventures; they are part of ACMobility's strategy to promote widespread adoption of electric vehicles by ensuring users have quick and convenient access to charging. Carla Buencamino, the head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility, stated, “Quezon City stands out as one of the few Metro Manila cities actively championing sustainability.”
Adding artistic flair to the hub, the station is beautifully decorated with a mural created by Professor Toym Imao and his students from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. This artwork encapsulates the mantra of “charging forward,” highlighting both the function of the station and the vibrant spirit of the local community.
The expansion of ACMobility doesn’t stop at this new hub. They have plans to deploy over 200 charging points across about 100 locations throughout the Philippines by the end of 2024. This ambitious rollout is expected to make electric vehicles more appealing to everyday users, breaking down barriers for those considering the switch to electric.
Not far from the Philippines, electric vehicle infrastructure is gaining traction globally as well. Tiya Gordon, co-founder of the climate tech startup 'It's Electric,' shares her own experience of launching her venture focused on enhancing access to EV charging stations. After shifting her career from design to entrepreneurship, Gordon found inspiration during the pandemic as public transportation options became limited and unsafe for her family.
Gordon's startup emerged as she realized Brooklyn lacked sufficient EV charging stations, prompting her to explore simple, effective solutions for urban drivers. She emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “If we wanted to have lamppost chargers, we'd need to upgrade the utility main... but if we share this power with local buildings, we can offer them passive income.” Her approach emphasizes the connectedness of urban infrastructure and the potential roles everyday buildings can play in scaling EV charging solutions.
It's Electric has made considerable strides since its inception, securing $11 million in funding, including a significant investment from Uber. They have focused on practical applications, launching pilot programs to demonstrate their solutions' effectiveness, proving to their investors the scalability and cost-efficiency of their technology.
This fusion of art, technology, and community-driven initiatives is not just about fulfilling market needs; it also captures the public's imagination. For consumers, the evolution of charging stations signifies accessibility and commitment from businesses to invest in sustainable transportation. It creates excitement about what’s on the horizon for electric vehicles.
The future of electric vehicle infrastructure is exposing fresh possibilities as more companies jump on board and cities ramp up their sustainability goals. With projects like ACMobility’s charging hub and It's Electric’s grassroots innovations, there's no doubt we’re witnessing the dawn of a significant shift toward electrified mobility.
Both ACMobility and It's Electric are setting examples of how companies can promote electrification across urban landscapes, championing collaborations and innovations to pave the way for greener futures. The clarity of their missions, paired with community involvement and corporate partnerships, is steering the electric vehicle revolution forward, urging more individuals to plug-in for cleaner transportation options.
Looking beyond mere infrastructure, the broader narrative here is about changing perceptions and encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles. By showcasing the ease and accessibility of charging options, these innovative companies aim to inspire confidence among potential users. Gordon encapsulates this vision with her motto, “Having receipts and discussing your wins” to bolster trust and excitement around new technologies. Electric vehicles are not just about being green; they embody the seamless integration of technology and daily living, making them increasingly indispensable for the urban commuter.
While there's still much work to be done to solidify electric vehicle charging as the norm, the groundwork being laid today is focused on accessibility and convenience. The momentum is undeniable, with cities leading the charge, precursors paving the way for the electrified transport system of tomorrow. Only time will reveal just how speedy these changes will be, but for now, both excitement and anticipation hang heavily in the air.
The progress made by ACMobility and startups like It's Electric not only highlights the potential of EVs but also showcases how real change is achievable through innovation, partnerships, and vision. By meeting users where they are and addressing real concerns, these efforts are transforming urban mobility and contributing to sustainability efforts globally.