(Taguig City) - The Department of Energy pursues its electric tricycle (E-Trike) Project amidst its technical, financial, and social challenges , confident that the project  objectives are aligned with the government thrust  of reducing the transport sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and alleviating the standard of living of tricycle drivers.

The Project envisions that the transport sector’s gasoline consumption will be reduced by 561,000 barrels per year thereby avoiding 260,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This is made possible by replacing 100,000 gasoline-fed tricycle units with energy efficient e-trikes.

Likewise, the Project will boost the incomes of e-trike drivers through the savings in fuel cost and create local jobs from the establishment of manufacturing companies and associated after-sales services.

The DOE allays the unfounded fears of stakeholders that the introduction of e-trikes will put additional burden on the supply of electricity due to increase in demand.  e-trikes are usually charged during low peak hours or in the evenings which contributes to higher utilization of available generation capacities. In the case of off-grid areas, e-trike electricity requirements will be sourced from solar-powered charging stations, thus contributing further to a cleaner environment.

The e-trike Project will put the Philippines at the forefront in terms of efficient, environment-friendly, and sustainable transport system.