Gogoro Inc., a Taiwan-based technology firm in battery swapping ecosystems, has on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership in the Philippines with Globe’s 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation.
The companies are initially focused on introducing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles for the last mile delivery industry, Gogoro said in a statement.
The companies will be launching a two-wheel battery swapping pilot in Manila using Gogoro’s industry leading battery swapping and Smartscooters.
The Smartscooters are powered by Gogoro’s Swap and Go battery swapping platform that uses distributed battery-swapping stations to enable convenient swapping of used batteries for new ones that deliver riders full-power in just seconds.
The Smartscooters will serve as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles currently used by the logistics industry. This is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023.
“Gogoro is honored to have the support of the Philippine’s Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to kick start this new smart mobility movement in Manila that utilizes Gogoro’s intelligent battery swapping, a new generation of EV refueling,” said Horace Luke, Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Gogoro.
“Through our collaboration with Globe, 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation, we plan to unlock incredible environmental and sustainability benefits and introduce new smart mobility efficiencies for businesses by improving how they manage their fleets and deliveries,” he added.
Meanwhile, 917Ventures Managing Director Vince Yamat said the firm is committed to helping solve the climate crisis by introducing Gogoro to logistics businesses, helping them in their sustainability efforts.
“In addition, the Swap and Go technology will enable riders to be fully charged in just seconds and therefore eliminate the need for parking spots. Hopefully, this technology will encourage more Filipinos to switch to electric vehicle,” he added.
Patrick Aquino, Director of the Department of Energy’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau in the Philippines said the success of this pilot will pave the way for a new sustainable business model in other cities in the country as well, and Philippines can learn from Taiwan’s experience.
“More than 25 percent of Taiwan’s quick commerce deliveries and almost all of their electric deliveries are powered by Gogoro’s battery-swapping technology, and we see this solution being most beneficial to a densely populated region like Metro Manila, which is also the hub of business districts,” he added.
Rafaelita Aldaba, Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry said the Philippines needs innovative tech-led projects that support climate action.
“I commend 917Ventures, Globe and the Ayala Corporation for always being at the forefront of change-making initiatives that aim to improve the lives of Filipinos while helping protect the environment,” he added.
Chuan-Neng Lin, vice minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan said Gogoro’s leadership in battery swapping, vehicle design, and innovation has transformed two-wheel mobility in Taiwan and fostered a new smart mobility industry of eco-friendly businesses and end-users.
“We look forward to businesses and riders in the Philippines experiencing the benefits of Gogoro’s smart mobility like we have in Taiwan. Together, with Gogoro, we can all reach our net-zero carbon emissions goals,” he added.
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