The Japanese government, through its Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA), recently turned over 24 units of the 2017 Toyota Prius hybrid to the Department Of Energy (DOE). This historic endeavour stemmed from the Philippine government’s efforts to promote environment conservation via reducing fuel consumption, seeing the Prius’ hybrid power train.
As regard, the said fleet of Toyota Priuses will be distributed to government agencies to kick-start the environmental conservation campaign. These agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Office of the President, and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In addition, more units will be brought down South in Region 8 to be handed over to agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), PNP, and the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC – Region VIII). These will be used to help in the recovery and rehabilitation of communities affected by typhoon Yolanda.
The Prius is Toyota’s entry into the hybrid electric vehicle market. It is a stylish 5-door, 5-seater hatchback that’s powered by a 1.8L inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motor. Working in unison, the 2 power plants generate a combined 99 hp and 142 Nm of torque. It is able to move via continuous variable transmission (CVT) which drives the front wheels.
Present in the turnover ceremony were Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa, DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, and members of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) led by its President Rommel Juan and Director John Lee.
“We feel that any additional electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle on Philippine roads is a step in the right direction and will help catalyze the industry. The best advertisement for EVs is seeing them running on our streets.” He also shared about the upcoming 1st ASEAN Electric Vehicle and Hybrid Summit which will take place at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on June 29 and 30.
“We will be seeing more mainstream EV and hybrid vehicles on display from the major automotive companies. This will surely promote the use of these low carbon vehicles and promise a better and greener future for our country,” he adds.
