Starting June 27, e-bike and e-scooter users can swing by the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Pasig to charge their e-vehicles for free.
MMDA is offering the service to encourage the public to use alternative modes of transportation and promote green and renewable energy.
The solar charging station, located at the new MMDA head office building along J. Vargas Avenue in Bgy. Ugong, Pasig, will be open to the public from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Three solar panels with built-in inverter will be the main power source of the station with a total of six 220V charging outlets. Those who wish to charge their e-vehicles must bring their own charging cords and cables.
In case the solar energy harvested will be inadequate, the station will tap into the main power grid of the building to compensate for the shortage, MMDA said in a statement.
All excess electricity being harnessed by the solar panels will be distributed back to the building.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the project would help ease the burden of the public from the price hikes on petroleum products.
“Putting up free charging stations for electronic vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters would encourage the public to use alternative mode of transportation and at the same time help them save expenses from high fuel cost,” he said.
Artes also said that he is planning to build a similar charging station at the MMDA headquarters in Orense, Makati to accommodate those who are traversing EDSA.