Meralco subsidiary Movem installs Type 2 EV charger in high-rise Pacific Star Building

With electric vehicles (EV) steadily gaining popularity in the Philippines, many are wondering if there would be enough charging stations for EV owners.

This won’t be a problem for visitors and tenants of the 29-storey Pacific Star Building in Makati City. Meralco subsidiary Movem announced in a September 2023 press statement that it has installed a 22-kW Type 2 AC charger in the high-rise development.

The Pacific Star Building is managed by Century Properties Management, Inc. (CPMI), a subsidiary of the Century Properties Group. The structure was completed in 1989 and held the record for the tallest building in the Philippines until 1991.

“The partnership with CPMI forms part of Movem and Meralco’s support to the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act through the provision of end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions for institutional customers and the riding public,” Movem said.

Push for EV infrastructure

Republic Act 11697 or the “Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act” (EVIDA) mandates the provision of dedicated EV parking areas and charging stations in all public and private establishments.

This includes the renovation of existing structures, such as the 34-year-old Pacific Star Building, to accommodate EV infrastructure.

EVIDA also provides non-fiscal incentives for EV owners, including number-coding exemption and discounted registration fees at the Land Transportation Office until 2030.

Demand for EVs has also gone up in light of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s executive order that removed duties on imported EVs and parts until 2028. This has resulted in a substantial drop in prices for various EV models.

Focus on battery-electric transport

Movem Electric Inc. was established in March 2023 to handle transport service networks utilizing electric energy and other alternative energy sources.

The company offers services like the supply of EVs, along with charging stations and integration.

Meralco also operates eSakay, Inc., which operates its own fleet of electric jeepneys. EVIDA sets a timeframe for when industrial and commercial companies, public transport operators, and government agencies will be required to have fleets that are at least five percent EV.

The law aims to transition these sectors to become fully electric, with the government aiming to sell only brand-new EVs by 2040.

Would you buy an EV if there were more charging stations?

Did you enjoy this story? Give it five stars now below!