Navigating the Path to Sustainable Transportation in the Philippines

by Paulo Canivel, Entrepreneur-in-Residence

It was during the pandemic when the Philippines witnessed an unexpected phenomenon; the transport sector–notorious for its bustling activity–came to a standstill. With that came the reduction of vehicular emissions and surprisingly, clear blue skies over Metro Manila.

This phenomenon offered a glimpse of ‘what could be’ if we address the issue of our transport system's contribution to climate change.

The respite was brief. As restrictions lifted, vehicles flooded back onto the streets, along with the familiar smog that came with the traffic congestion in urban areas. Alongside the environmental impact, the rising fuel prices added another layer of urgency to the need for change.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we at 917Ventures saw the opportunity to build a solution that can help move the needle in adopting electrified mobility as a way of encouraging a more sustainable form of transportation.

Following the introduction of Gogoro in the country–a game-changer in the two-wheel EV segment through its battery-swapping technology–we turned our attention to the four-wheel segment. The primary challenge here was range anxiety—a significant barrier to EV adoption. Thus, Evro was born; an e-mobility service provider (eMSP) that aims to be every Filipino EV owner’s companion in charging their electric vehicles.

Evro's mission is to offer a reliable and convenient charging network for electric vehicles, ensuring that drivers can travel without the constant worry of running out of power.

The 1st Brand-Agnostic EV Charging Network in the Philippines

The journey of creating and launching Evro was both challenging and exhilarating. Our inspiration stemmed from a simple yet profound belief: sustainable transportation is not just a luxury but a necessity for our future. We envisioned a Philippines where clean energy vehicles are the norm, contributing to a healthier environment and a resilient economy.

The process began with extensive research and development. We engaged with stakeholders across the spectrum—automobile manufacturers, government agencies, and consumers—to understand their needs and concerns. This collaborative approach was crucial in designing a system that is both efficient and user-friendly.

A cornerstone of Evro's strategy is its brand-agnostic platform. We recognized that the transition to EVs should not be hindered by compatibility issues and must be backed by a full ecosystem approach.

We work together with local Charge-Point Operators (CPOs) to be able to cater to all types of four-wheel electric vehicles, regardless of brand or manufacturer–ensuring inclusivity and convenience for all EV owners.

Our partnerships with some of the most prominent players in the EV ecosystem such as AC Mobility and Greenstrum have been instrumental in this regard, fostering a sense of unity in the drive towards sustainable transport.

Driving towards Sustainable Transport

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our charging network across the Philippines by onboarding more CPO partners onto our platform. This expansion is not just about quantity but also about quality.

We aspire to set a benchmark for the EV ecosystem in the region, following through on our promise to promote reliability and accessibility through our climate tech solutions. The challenges are daunting, but they also present an opportunity for transformation.

At 917Ventures, we are driven by our mission to create a positive impact to our society and environment–ultimately, uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos through our digital solutions platforms.

As the Philippines’ EV sector grows and expands, we see ourselves playing a key role in paving the way for a transport system that not only meets our needs, but also preserves our planet for generations to come.