Makati LGU includes e-vehicles in its public safety fleet

The local government of Makati has added electric vehicles to the city's public safety fleet.

On Thursday, Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the ceremonial turnover of five Hyundai IONIQ 5 electric cars to the city's Public Safety Department (PSD).

"As a city, we recognize our critical role in addressing environmental concerns. By introducing electric vehicles into our public safety fleet, we not only enhance our emergency response capabilities but also contribute to reducing air pollution and our overall environmental impact," Binay said in a press release.

The five electric vehicles, which the city government purchased, will be strategically deployed across key areas of Makati, she added, guaranteeing rapid response times in case of emergencies.

Each two-wheel-drive vehicle features a 58-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, along with a powerful motor that delivers up to 350 Nm of torque and a maximum power of 170 ps.

Three charging stations, one at Makati City Hall, one in Palanan Barangay Hall, and one in Guadalupe Viejo Barangay Hall, complement the IONIQ 5's capabilities.

Meanwhile, Dong Wook Lee, president of Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH), said Hyundai IONIQ 5 units would enhance PSD's capabilities, allowing them to address incidents swiftly and effectively.

"We look forward to being a part of and playing a role in Makati's journey of transforming into a smart city. The IONIQ 5 is the most suitable partner [for] their commitment [to] adapting to the modern needs of Makatizens," Lee said.

Lee said the five vehicles also come with five years of preventive maintenance service, including parts and labor, wall box chargers, 220v cord chargers, fire extinguishers, training and orientation for drivers, and 24/7 roadside assistance for one year. 

For his part, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said the free trade agreement between the two countries would help Filipinos access affordable Korean electric cars.

Ambassador Lee mentioned the elimination of tariffs on Korean electric vehicle imports to the Philippines once the agreement takes effect.

The Philippines and South Korea signed the FTA on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN and Related Summits in Jakarta last September.

"Hyundai Motor is also promoting the Hyundai Accelerate program in collaboration with the Department of Education, Quezon City, Pasig City, and others. The program will support the training of Philippine automotive technicians,'' the ambassador said.

"Korea is more than prepared to partner with the Philippines in the field of eco-friendly transportation.'' —with a report from JP Soriano/VBL, GMA Integrated News