Barangay San Antonio (BSA) in Pasig City on Saturday, Feb. 7, has partnered with E88 Ventures, Inc. to roll out the first battery-swapping station for electric motorcycles in the barangay to promote cleaner transport, reduce emissions, and provide faster and more affordable mobility options for residents and commuters in the area.

The E88 Ventures, Inc., an electric vehicle (EV) and energy services company in the country, said the partnership made the barangay become a pilot site for EV infrastructure in Metro Manila, leveraging its strategic location within the Ortigas central business district.

BSA Chairman Raymond Lising noted that the site was deliberately placed in a highly accessible area to maximize public use and convenience.

“Barangay San Antonio now has its first-ever battery swapping site for electric vehicles, marking another step forward in promoting sustainable mobility in our community,” Lising said.

“The battery swapping site is strategically located near the gate along General Segundo Street in Antonio Village, making it accessible and convenient for residents, commuters, and riders passing through the area,” he added.

Under the project, electric motorcycle users may swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones within seconds using a mobile application, eliminating long charging times.

Lising also said that the initiative marked a milestone for the community as it pushes for sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions.

Greg Rivera, co-founder and chief commercial officer of E88 Ventures, Inc., said Barangay San Antonio was selected because of its strategic location at the heart of the Ortigas central business district, near Estancia and Capitol Commons, where there is a high volume of daily commuters and a strong mix of commercial and residential activity.

“May magandang mix din ng business at residential areas sa lugar, kaya perfect siya para sa first battery swapping station namin sa NCR. Madali siyang ma-access, mataas ang visibility, at mabilis mararamdaman ng mga tao ang positive impact sa daily commute nila (The area has a good mix of business and residential communities, making it an ideal location for our first battery swapping station in the NCR. It is easily accessible, highly visible, and people will quickly feel its positive impact on their daily commute),” he explained.

“Sa loob lang ng ilang segundo lang, makakapagpalit ka na at ready na ulit sa biyahe, hindi tulad ng ibang electric vehicles na kailangang mag-charge ng hanggang 6 hours bago ka makaalis (In just a matter of seconds, users can swap batteries and be ready to get back on the road, unlike other electric vehicles that require up to six hours of charging before they can travel),” Rivera continued.

Rivera also underscored that the advocacy of the barangay and the Pasig City government is aligned with its objective of expanding green mobility for a broader segment of Filipinos.

Lising welcomed the collaboration, thanking the private sector partner for supporting the barangay’s environmental goals.

E88 also said that the initiative is expected to contribute to environmental protection by cutting air and noise pollution in the barangay.

Currently, the system supports RideBox batteries compatible with NRD e-motorcycles, with plans to expand compatibility to benefit more users.

“Malaki ang tulong ng RideBox sa sustainability dahil zero emission to use ang mga batteries and e-Motorcycles, kaya nakakatulong sa pagbawas ng air pollution sa urban areas tulad ng Pasig (RideBox significantly contributes to sustainability as its batteries and e-motorcycles produce zero emissions during use, helping reduce air pollution in urban areas such as Pasig),” Rivera said.

“Bukod dito, mas mababa rin ang noise pollution dahil mas tahimik ang takbo ng electric motorcycles kumpara sa traditional na sasakyan (In addition, electric motorcycles generate less noise pollution since they operate more quietly compared to traditional vehicles),” he added.

The chief commercial officer also said that their goal is to make electric mobility accessible and affordable for working-class Filipinos, adding that they want to be part of a future where electric motorcycles are a practical, eco-friendly, and sustainable mode of daily transportation for Filipinos.

Meanwhile, E88 assured residents that strict protocols are being implemented to ensure the safe handling and storage of batteries.

“Ridebox batteries are safe, with an IP67 rating and backed by a robust battery management system,” Rivera said.

Rivera assured that each locker compartment is equipped with its own fire extinguisher and smoke detector, which immediately activate in the presence of smoke or fire to prevent any potential hazards, noting that the system also detects defective batteries for immediate action.

Users may choose between pay-per-use and subscription options, including an unlimited swapping plan.

“Mayroon din kaming UnliRide plan na aabot hanggang P63 per day para unlimited swapping. Pwede pa rin mag-home charging para flexible ang options ni rider, pero mas convenient at mabilis ang mag-swap ng batteries (We also offer an UnliRide plan that costs up to P63 per day for unlimited battery swapping. Riders can still opt for home charging for added flexibility, but battery swapping remains the more convenient and faster option),” Rivera said.

On the other hand, as the facility began operations, Lising called on residents to help ensure its proper use and upkeep.

“This project reflects our commitment to programs that benefit both our constituents and the environment, while encouraging the responsible use of innovative and eco-friendly transport solutions,” he said.

“We encourage our residents to take care of this facility and to use it properly, as it is intended to serve the community and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable barangay,” he added.

Following the pilot implementation in Barangay San Antonio, E88 said it plans to expand battery-swapping stations across Pasig City and other areas in Metro Manila.