Basic Energy Corporation (BEC) plans to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging station network in Luzon to support the country's growing electric vehicle (EV) fleet.

BEC President Oscar de Venecia Jr. told reporters that the company is partnering with a local oil firm to establish more EV charging stations at the latter’s service areas.

This collaboration aims to pool expertise, financial resources, and technical skills.

“We're in discussion with—and I can't disclose who—but we're thinking of partnering with someone to help us co-develop and co-create [EV] charging stations under our brand,” de Venecia said. He expressed hope for a swift completion, “hopefully, within the next month or so.”

De Venecia noted that BEC already has an existing EV charging partnership, with a pilot station at the EcoOil station along EDSA and another in Cainta.

He clarified, however, that Basic Energy has temporarily paused its EV rollout to upgrade equipment and facilities.

“We're looking at changing [equipment],” he explained, citing the issue of varying EV charging protocols that often limit compatibility to specific vehicle brands. “We don't want to cater to one kind... No matter what brand the car is, we should be able to charge that.”

During BEC's annual stockholders’ meeting, de Venecia stated that this expansion would be facilitated through its subsidiary, Basic Energy Renewables Corp. (BERC).

“These chargers will support both private EV users and public e-vehicle fleets, particularly those being developed by an affiliate Ecology Builders Corp., placing us firmly within a fast-growing segment of sustainable transportation,” de Venecia said.