Valenzuela is now the first city in the Philippines to have a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) as BYD Cars Philippines turned over 41 units of the BYD Dolphin to the Valenzuela LGU. ACMobility also unveiled the first city-owned charging station, among the many that will be built throughout the city.
It’s part of Mayor Wes Gatchalian’s Go Green Campaign where he sought to acquire EVs for the Valenzuela police force as means helping clean the air and saving money. The more affordable long-term maintenance of EVs will save the city hundreds of millions of pesos in maintenance and fuel costs. Moreover, it will contribute to Valenzuela’s aim of reducing carbon footprint proving that modernization can come without harming nature.
35 of the Dolphins will be used by the Valenzuela Police while the remaining 6 will be designated to various government offices.
“Aside from a few usual wear and tear like tires, brakes, etc., EVs are less expensive to maintain than their internal combustion engine counterparts. These savings can be redirected to critical areas like healthcare, education, and public infrastructure,” said Mayor Wes Gatchalian. “By adopting EVs, we set an example for industries, proving that “progress and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but, in fact, intertwined, while still providing the same quality service to our constituents.”
The BYD Dolphin is a full-electric hatchback that can go up to 405 kilometers on a single charge. It has 95 horsepower and 180 Nm of torque, Front-Side-Curtain Airbags, 360-camera System, Vehicle-to-Load Capability, and Electronic Stability Control among others. They can be charged from 10%-80% in around 30 minutes with a DC fast charger.
Mayor Gatchalian also unveiled the first Valenzuela EV Charging Station located at the ALERT Center. It hosts four 7kW wall chargers for the BYD Dolphins. This is the first city-owned charging hub that will also be established at the Valenzuela City Hall, as well as 3S Centers in the city. ACMobility will also establish their own charging network here to ensure the seamless transition of the police force to electric vehicles.
Hopefully more cities follow Valenzuela’s example of electrifying their police force.
