Ayala unit acquires Evro, spurs EV push

ACMobility has acquired Evro, the Philippines’ first brand-agnostic or universal roaming electric vehicle (EV) charging network application, developed by Globe’s venture builder 917Ventures.

“We built Evro with the intention of simplifying Filipino EV owners’ charging journeys,” Vince Yamat, managing director of 917Ventures, said.

“Since launching earlier this year, we’ve made significant headway in advancing sustainable transport through our tech and partners. Entrusting Evro to ACMobility ensures it will continue to evolve and contribute to the advancement of sustainable transport.”

Evro is an e-Mobility Service Provider (eMSP) that consolidates the country’s EV charging network across brands and Charge-Point Operators (CPOs) to make charging more accessible and convenient. It is the only app of its kind recognized by the Department of Energy (DoE).

Seamless vehicle charging

The app allows drivers to locate nearby charging points, check compatibility and monitor charging sessions remotely in real time. Payments can be made seamlessly via GCash or credit cards.

Currently, Evro features 33 live charging locations managed by ACMobility, including prime areas such as One Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, Nuvali Solenad 1, and Ayala Center Cebu. Plans are underway to onboard more CPOs and expand the network.

The acquisition supports ACMobility’s goal of accelerating EV adoption in the Philippines by addressing infrastructure gaps, particularly the lack of accessible charging stations outside urban areas.

“We are thrilled to bring Evro into the ACMobility ecosystem,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, CEO of ACMobility.

“Evro is changing the game for electric vehicle adoption in the Philippines. Alongside our efforts in ACMobility, it will address range anxiety concerns and empower EV owners to have full control of their charging experience.”

The Philippines is seeing steady growth in EV adoption, with a projected 10 percent year-on-year rise in EV sales by the end of 2024. Industry targets include 2.45 million EVs sold and 65,000 charging stations nationwide by 2028.