Meralco inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with V-Green Global Charging Station Development Corp., Vietnam’s top electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure provider, and Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Co. (Green GSM), a leading electric ride-hailing service, to jointly develop EV infrastructure solutions across Metro Manila and other key cities.
The big picture:
Under the newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the three companies will:
Identify and evaluate sites for EV charging stations and electric taxi hubs in Metro Manila and other key cities.
Build a sustainable, efficient, and scalable EV charging network.
Promote the adoption of electric vehicles across various sectors.
Facilitate technical cooperation and knowledge-sharing on EV technologies and systems.
Accelerating green mobility revolution
“This partnership with Meralco marks a key milestone in V-Green’s mission to accelerate the green mobility revolution in Southeast Asia,” a statement from Meralco quoted Nguyen Thanh Duong, CEO of V-Green, as saying. “By combining our expertise in EV charging infrastructure with Meralco’s strong local presence, we aim to rapidly deploy a reliable and accessible charging network across the Philippines.”
Green GSM, which operates a 100-percent electric vehicle fleet powered by VinFast cars in Vietnam, is set to expand its electric ride-hailing services in the Philippines. The company’s CEO, Dao Quy Phi, in the same statement said the Philippine market shows “strong momentum for clean mobility solutions.”
“Our goal is not only to provide safe, convenient, and affordable transportation, but also to play an active role in building a greener future for Filipino communities,” he said.
Collective strength in infra, technology, experience
The partnership supports Meralco’s efforts to help realize the goals of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which promotes the development and commercial use of EVs in the country. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to provide sustainable infrastructure for businesses and consumers alike.
“This partnership brings together our collective strength in infrastructure, technology, and experience that will redefine our cities and our communities,” said Meralco chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “Together, we intend to reframe the way we think about energy, transport, and sustainability.”
Pangilinan added that the initiative aligns with Meralco’s vision of building a “future-ready, inclusive” transportation ecosystem for all Filipinos.
Building an integrated EV ecosystem
V-Green serves as the exclusive charging partner for VinFast in Vietnam and has played a pivotal role in the company’s rise as a domestic EV leader. Green GSM, for its part, is working to raise the bar for eco-friendly transportation services in the region.
In the Philippines, VinFast, V-Green, and Green GSM are collaborating to establish an integrated EV ecosystem, covering electric vehicle distribution, charging station development, and electric taxi deployment. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
