ACMobility and Basic Energy Corporation have joined forces to build more electric vehicle charging hubs for public transport operators across the Philippines.

The planned sites will support electric buses under Basic Energy’s Iwas Taas Pamasahe Transport Solutions Program. The program allows transport groups to use electric buses without an upfront payment. Operators can own the units after five years.

The project aims to reduce the impact of changing fuel prices on transport operators and commuters. It will also give electric public utility vehicles more places to charge along major routes.

ACMobility will build charging hubs that can serve electric buses and private vehicles. The locations will include fast DC chargers for buses that need a quick turnaround. AC chargers will also be available for vehicles parked for longer periods.

The next hub will open at the Total station on the northbound side of the South Luzon Expressway.

More sites are under study in Mandaluyong City, Cainta, Barangka in Marikina and Sumulong Highway. The partners also plan stations along E. Rodriguez and Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, Newport City in Pasay and EDSA.

The two companies have already opened charging hubs at EcoOil Alabang and the Total service station on the North Luzon Expressway.

Carla Buencamino, head of mobility infrastructure at ACMobility, said public transport must also shift to electric vehicles if the country wants a wider transition to electric mobility.

“Through our partnership with Basic Energy, we are building an EV charging network that powers not just private vehicles but also public transportation fleets from North to South,” Buencamino said.

Basic Energy president and chief executive officer Oscar De Venecia Jr. said the rollout across Total and EcoOil locations would help support the growing number of electric public transport vehicles.

The charging network will also support the Love E-Bus fleet under Basic Energy’s transport program. Reliable charging access will be needed to keep the buses on the road and reduce service interruptions.

ACMobility operates charging stations in more than 200 locations nationwide.