11 December 2012: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a US$300 million loan for a project to replace 100,000 gasoline-burning tricycles with clean, energy efficient electric tricycles, or E-Trikes, in the Philippines. The E-Trike project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution, avoid fuel costs and reduce oil dependency, and increase jobs and driver income.

The E-Trikes, which run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, are anticipated to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 260,0000 tons. Under a business as usual scenario, the Philippines’ carbon dioxide emissions would nearly quadruple in less than 25 years. In addition to its climate benefits, the E-Trikes will reduce air pollution and contribute to air quality improvement. An ADB study found that gasoline-fuelled tricycles produce over two-thirds of the air pollution generated by the transport sector in the Philippines.

“This project can help transform transportation in the Philippines, and positions the country as a leader in electric vehicle development in Asia,” said Neeraj Jain, ADB, Philippines Country Director. The Philippines plans to develop an e-vehicle industry, including production of off-grid solar charging stations and a battery supply chain. Loreta G. Ayson, Philippines Department of Energy, noted the local production and assembly of the e-Trikes “will create up to 10,000 jobs in the 5-year project.” Additional project benefits include increased income among trike drivers by avoiding fuel costs. The project will introduce to Metro Manilla and other Filipino urban centers through a lease-to-own arrangement. [ADB press release]