Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, AC Mobility CEO said that the company will continue to invest in building the infrastructure needed to develop the EV market in the Philippines.
Ride-hailing company Xpress, of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, is tapping into the electric vehicle (EV) sustainability trend, eyeing to have 20% of its fleet made up of EVs moving forward.
Unveiling the company’s initiative Tuesday, Xpress president Cliff Cabungcal said the move is tied to the company’s push for sustainability — both on being an ecologically-conscious company and the business sustainability of partner drivers as well.
“It’s not about just being green in the company. It’s about the sustainability of our partner drivers. We’re very focused on making sure sustainable yung negosyo ng bawat partner driver,” said Cabungcal.
Introduced under the company’s Xpress Kanegosyo program, the company is offering to partner drivers the opportunity to transition to an EV through its boundary “hulog” agreement and allow them to own the vehicle in three years’ time. The company has acquired an initial 20 BYD EVs for the program.
Financing for EV ownership
Cebuana Lhuillier, the flagship brand of the group, has developed a dedicated financing program exclusively for Xpress driver partners, enabling EV ownership at scale.
The initiative builds on the e-trike success of the company in Boracay where it has a five year partnership with the local government unit of Malay, Aklan and the Boracay Land Transportation Multi‐Purpose Cooperative (BLTMPC) to provide seamless transport service in the island of Boracay through Boracay Xpress, according to Cabungcal.
As part of the initiative, Xpress is offering zero commission for all drivers of EVs in its fleet for up to six months to ensure a smooth shift to electric vehicles and make it accessible as possible to everyone, said Jean Henri Lhuiller, Xpress chairman.
“By removing the commission for drivers, we are giving them the chance to earn more while reducing the financial strain on making that transition. This is our way to show our incentive and our commitment to our drivers, making sure that they are empowered to do the best. We want to enable them to thrive in this rapidly changing economy,” he said.
“EVs adoption presents a unique economic opportunity not only for individual drivers but also for the nation as a whole. By scaling EVs in the fleet, we contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, improve air quality, and advance the Philippines’ goals in achieving sustainability. At the same time, we create jobs, assimilate the green economy, and create a more vibrant and sustainable ride-sharing market,” Lhuiller added.
READ ALSO: Xpress unveils new EV fleet in the Philippines
EV in the regions
Xpress is leveraging its EV push to expand its network outside Manila as well, with the company in talks with one LGU in norther Luzon to bring the company’s service, according to Cabungcal.
“I’m not yet at liberty to tell but we are in negotiation with one LGU there. Actually, it’s the LGU that called us and what’s good about it is they want it to be EV or hybrid,” he said.
Currently, the company is working to expand its presence to more areas in the country. It’s currently present in Metro Manila, Boracay, and in Mindanao, said Cabungcal.
“The reason we’re very confident on this expansion nationwide, is because of the strength of Cebuana Lhuillier. Cebuana Lhuillier has more than 3,500 branches nationwide,” he said.
In particular, Cabungcal said Cebuana Lhuillier has Kanegosyo Centers present in 34 provinces, which the company primarily aim to gain a foothold on.
EV infrastructure
Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, AC Mobility chief executive officer (CEO), meanwhile said that the company will continue to invest in building the infrastructure needed to develop the EV market in the Philippines. AC Mobility is the exclusive distributor of BYD cars in the Philippines.
Zobel said that the company targets to put up 700 charging points in 300 locations around the country by the end of 2025.
“At AC Mobility, we see sustainable mobility as the future. We understand that there are gaps in infrastructure, and we have embarked on an ambitious journey to build the most comprehensive ecosystem to support what we envision, again, as the future of mobility,” he said.
“As this new energy vehicle segment continues to increase, we are dedicated to expanding access to safe, intuitive, and reliable facilities for everyone. Whether it’s at home, in public areas, at key driving destinations, or in offices to support business suites. These investments in the charging infrastructure will aim to ensure that every rider feels confident, that they feel comfortable traveling to even the farthest points of this beautiful country,” he added.
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