Meralco launched eSakay’s electric vehicle jeepneys to promote adoption of EV and disrupt the transport service.

Disruptive technologies are upsetting the applecarts across the globe from travel, communications, entertainment and others. However, these disruptions come with improving the quality of life as well as major opportunities for businesses that have the capability to disrupt instead of being disrupted.

This realization was not lost to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) as it launched its eSakay’s electric vehicle (EV) fleet to ply between the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong and serve the commuting public in the area. But aside from the EV jeepneys, Meralco is looking at the potential of electric charging stations as a potential new business opportunity coming from the disruption in the transport sector.

“We’ve been wanting to be a leader in the industry way back 2011 and 2012 timeframe,” said eSakay chairman and Meralco senior vice president Alfredo Panlilio in an interview with the Daily Tribune. “In fact, as early as that time, we started prototyping charging station. It adds to our energy sales simply because it will give electricity over fossil fuel. So it’s really a future business. We might have brought in Tesla into the country in 2013 [when a Tesla] car was used by be MVP (Manny Pangilinan).”

But it brings new challenges to mitigate pollutants from a dependence on fossil fuels, prompting stakeholders to study how to reduce carbon emissions through the use of EV.

Batteries replace engines in electric vehicles, eliminating carbon monoxide emission. Jeepney modernization

Meralco’s foray into the Duterte administration’s 2017 Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a major signal the company is going back to its core business. Back when it was still known as Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company, Meralco used to run the tranvia railway system that ply parts of Metro Manila streets, but the Second World War abruptly stopped its operations.

The eSakay, an end-to-end electric transport solutions provider, helps address the country’s snowballing transportation concerns and answers the Department of Transportation’s (DoTr) program to disrupt the country’s public transport system by replacing the fossil-fed and Jurassic jeepney’s with modern EV.

Initially, eSakay received provisional authority to operate 15 eJeeps for the Buendia MRT Station-Mandaluyong City Hall via Jupiter St. developmental route. But there are plans to add more routes and even deploy electric buses along EDSA if the service receives strong public response.

The modern eJeeps from eSakay are 100 percent electric and emission free, compliant with PUV innovations for the convenience and safety of the riding public: equipped with side entrances, on board Wi-fi, an automated fare collection system, GPS tracking system, CCTV cameras, USB ports so passengers can charge their phones while traveling, and others. The service will also have priority seating for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Meralco has long been an advocate for the wider use of electric vehicles in the country with the EV shuttling service and electric bike sharing program at the Meralco Center in Ortigas. It soon became clear to us that electric vehicles were indeed a viable transport solution. That’s when we partnered with private companies, government institutions and now, public transport operators who expressed keen interest in utilizing EV for their transport needs,” said Panlilio.

“Beyond supporting transport operators by supplying ePUV and building charging stations, we realized that we could create a greater impact by being one with them. From this, was born our project to operate an electric jeepney route connecting Mandaluyong to the Makati CBD” added eSakay president/CEO and Meralco vice president Raymond Ravelo.

He went on to say, “This project is just one of many steps in our efforts to spur EV adoption, as we work towards a common goal of nation-building, sustainable growth and inclusive development. With this route, we, at eSakay, hope to prove the viability of electric vehicles and inspire other operators to follow suit.”

As the public adopts EV and their cost become more affordable, Panlilio said Meralco is envisioning the gas stations to be replaced by charging stations instead. And this is where Meralco can again enjoy significant advantage. After all, the company is in power distribution.

“If you look at Shell, they are also looking at the evolution of their business… They also know fossil fuel [powered cars will be obsolete]. They are going to be there for sometime but eventually shift over to electric,” e said and added they were also invited by UniOil to partner with them in developing an electric charging pod in one of its stations in EDSA.

Even German carmaker BMW already has a full electric car prototype. Indeed, BMW sponsored a Conference Of Electric Power Service Industry (CEPSI) event to highlight the shift from fossil fuel to electric cars.

“What is BMW doing there? They talked about mobility and the future change in transport industry brought about by technology. So I think it eventually will also disrupt the auto industry, the transport industry and we know there is a link between the energy and future transport, on how transport industry will be,” he added.

The interior of Meralco’s electric jeepneys offer comfort and convenience to passengers. PHOTOS BY ANALY LABOR 3K

The eSakay initiative is also geared towards helping the jeepney drivers earn better livelihood and help solve traffic congestion by eliminating the “boundary” system in the public transport sector which is being blamed why jeepney, buses and all public transport drivers stay too long on each points of drop off and pick up stations to get more passengers.