We now have electric vehicle quick charging stations thanks to Mitsubishi PH and Meralco

In the automotive industry, more and more brands have been “plugging” into the electrification of its vehicle line-up to help create sustainable clean energy and a greener environment. With this in mind, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) showcased its brand new electric vehicle (EV) quick charging station.

Installed at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office in Quezon City, it will charge Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV hatchback and Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) mid-size SUV.

MMPC commissioned Meralco's subsidiary, Mserv, to build the station equipped with CHAdeMO quick charging technology. CHAdeMO is a quick charging method for EVs that delivers up to 62.5 KW charge rate. The name itself is derived from the Japanese phrase "o cha demo ikagadesuka," which translates to "How about a cup of tea?" in reference to the time it would take to charge the car.

Prior to this, the DENR’s Regional Office in Davao City already had its quick charging station installed last January 2018. More stations are lined-up to be installed at the DENR office in Cebu, as well as in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office in Makati City.

As a recap, MMC donated five i-MiEVs, five Outlander PHEVs, and four EV quick charger units to the DENR during the 1st ASEAN Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Summit last year. Will this be the beginning of the “electrification” of the Philippines? We sure do hope so as brands such as Ford and Nissan are itching to bring in its respective EVs as soon as there’s local market demand.