The country's first e-trike research and development (R&D) center is expected to be established in Cagayan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the agency is giving its all-out support to the setting up of the center, which is expected to be housed at the Cagayan State University (CSU).
"Recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), the DOST is supporting the establishment of the Philippines’s first e-trike research and development (R&D) center,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, March 26.
He said the Center “is set to specialize on the local manufacturing of e-trikes with CSU to take on its design, development of different parts, and assembly.”
While, the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) will focus on the design, fabrication, and testing of electrical and electronic systems of e-trikes, he added.
"The UPD will also capacitate CSU to establish their own power electronics laboratory to fully sustain the system needs of the e-trike R&D center and help develop EV specialization in CSU’s College of Engineering,” the DOST chief noted.
De la Peña said the CSU is eyeing to produce low-cost, rigidly strong e-trikes that can withstand varied loadings and road conditions as the design and parts will be extensively tested for stability and energy efficiency.
"With the hopes of transforming the Philippines’ local transport sector, the CSU team is also studying the viability of converting conventional tricycles into e-trikes, in partnership with Le' Guider International E-Trike Electronics Assembly Phils. Inc. The end goal of this project is to create a cost-effective conversion kit,” the DOST chief said.
He said the DOST, CSU, and UPD sought to strengthen the country’s capability to produce local e-trikes "by ensuring that these Filipino-made e-trikes can easily and immediately be repaired with locally produced and available parts that can easily be replaced."
“The country’s e-trike industry will be resilient as it will be unaffected by the global supply chain,” de la Peña said.