CleanAir Transport Solutions Philippines Inc. (C.A.T.S.) is one of the major sponsors at the 5th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit 2016 organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) on April 14 and 15 at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall in Pasig City.
A Singapore-based company utilizing UK technology, C.A.T.S. is a significant player in the alternative fuel and electric vehicle (EV) sector in the region. It will join leading local and international transport industry representatives during the fifth edition of the annual EV Summit.
This year’s theme is “Investing in the EV Industry Towards a Sustainable Transport and Closer Regional Economic Integration.”
C.A.T.S. operates an assembly plant and warehouse in General Trias, Cavite. The company is one of the first movers in providing clean-fuel LPG- and electric-operated public utility vehicles (PUV) as alternatives to existing PUVs in the country.
C.A.T.S. E-Trikes are 100% manufactured in the Philippines, using world leading European components.
“Global efforts to push for clean fuel LPG and EVs are considered to be the future long-term solution to public transport and environmental problems,” says Robin Hughes, C.A.T.S. CEO. His company is one of the newest members of EVAP and will exhibit the latest C.A.T.S. units and technological advances during the summit.
C.A.T.S.s’ clients are public transport cooperatives, and independent operators with L.T.F.R.B., government and LGU licences. This is in response to the country’s urgent need to modernize the current fleet of mostly dilapidated, and antiquated smoke-belching jeepneys, buses and tricycles.
“Millions of tricycles and jeepneys on the road pollute the air and it is of utmost public interest to involve public transport groups and local government units as stakeholders in the thriving EV industry,” says Hughes, adding that the promotion of EVs and alternative clean fuels significantly contributes to efforts in reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change.
The company’s portfolio includes 14, 18 and 22-seater electric jeepneys, UV Express vans, taxis, multicabs, and tricycles that are built to international standards.
Fundamental to the company’s business model is that it will never use local electricity from the grid. This will be achieved by generating clean electricity using solar and LPG power sources. Generators will be installed strategically where demand is needed. This power generation will be independent of the electrical grid, will never cause brownouts, nor be affected by brownouts or power shortages.
“Our charging stations for batteries of our EVs will run cleaner fuels. C.A.T.S. will never ‘Plug and Play” to charge the EV. C.A.T.S. will never be responsible for a ‘brownout, caused by an excessive demand on the electricity supply from EV’s charging from the grid” Hughes said. Charged batteries will be quickly swapped into working vehicles, resulting in more efficient operations, plus significant savings in both time and money for transport operators.
The innovative business model of clean battery-charging stations has prompted many transport groups to take an interest in C.A.T.S.’s EV portfolio, notably transport cooperatives and local government units in Mindanao, and a leading university in Negros Oriental for its campus shuttle services.
Aside from EV industry players, also expected to attend during the two-day conference and exhibition are some 500 participants from national government agencies, LGUs, academic institutions and NGO partners.
“We are pleased to be among those given the opportunity to help make the Philippines the newest EV hub in Asia,” says Hughes. The summit is expected to reinforce the partnership between various transport stakeholders and to help institutionalize best practices in modernizing the country’s transport system.