Victory Liner Inc. unveils what it claims to be the country’s first fully electric commuter buses. 📷: Andrea Taguines, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- Victory Liner Inc. unveiled on Wednesday two new fully electric provincial commuter buses — a first for the company and the Philippines.

During the launch, Victory Liner President and General Manager Marivic H. Del Pilar shared that she was spurred to go electric as a way to keep up with the rest of the world.

She said the move is also in line with their vision of a sustainable future.

“Pumupunta rin tayo sa ibang bansa to look at bus shows, conferences, and they’re also discussing EV (electric vehicles). Tapos here we come, third world country, Philippines. (They ask) what’s your bus? Then you answer, we’re diesel. ‘Really, do you not have electric?’ Syempre, ikaw pride mo rin bilang Pilipino na hindi kami pahuhuli,” she said.

The e-buses were brought in by Chinese manufacturer Higer at a “special price” of P5 million per unit. The charger costs another half a million pesos.

“It’s powered by electric motor and direct-driven na siya so we’ll not be emitting any carbon dioxide. Ma-cut down natin at least 100 tons of carbon dioxide (emissions) per year for just one unit,” said Higer Philippines representative Elison Tan.

“Mayroon din itong regenerating brake system so every time na mag-slowdown, katulad sa traffic, it will be charging also,” he added.

ABS-CBN News, other media, and online content creators got to join the test drive.

The e-bus runs like an automatic vehicle, making for an easier drive, although drivers still need to undergo training.

The battery level is also displayed for everyone to see.

“Wala namang significant na changes kung sumasakay ka ng regular na bus… Ang kaibahan lang dito, hindi siya ganun katagtag,” said radio reporter Chris Lucas.

“Nakaka-relax siya. Medyo nakatulog din ako,” said Patricia Iñigo.

MAIDEN ROUTE

This coming first week of December, the e-buses will start plying the Cubao, Quezon City to San Fernando, Pampanga, where they can complete two roundtrips at a time before they need to be recharged.

Del Pilar said they are trying a short distance trip for the trial run, citing the lack of charging stations that can be used en route to other destinations.

“Ang Pilipinas, hindi siya ready ng mass charging. NLEX gasoline stations will not have the charging stations for a bus, so ang ginawa namin, we will have end-to-end charging stations, one in Cubao then another one in San Fernando. Kami na muna 'yung mag-iinitiative,” she said.

Despite the investment, the fare for that trip will be kept steady at 141 pesos. And who knows, said Del Pilar, it may even lead to lower fares in the future.

“Sabi ng ating manufacturer less ang (maintenance) cost because you don’t do oil change, diba? Ang daming hindi mo bibilhin na bibilhin mo kapag nagpa-preventive maintenance ka ng diesel engine… But magkano naman 'yung increase ng electric bill namin? Tingnan din natin kasi baka doon naman pumalo,” she explained.

One incentive for private players right now is the zero tariff policy on EVs which lessens the cost of importation.

But the Department of Transportation (DOTr) vowed to explore other possible government support to encourage others to follow Victory Liner’s steps.

“We are talking with different companies who could fill up the void or the need for the charging stations all over the Philippines,” said DOTr Undersecretary Andy Ortega, who also attended the event.

“While the foreign manufacturers are the one helping us at the moment, definitely, for the government our objective really is to have more local manufacturers do the buses or other vehicles para mas mura and giving jobs to our workers and strengthen really the industry,” he added.

Victory Liner also hopes to add to its e-bus fleet and offer longer range trips so that more Filipinos will get to experience the delight of a comfortable yet eco-friendly commute.