Nissan Philippines president and managing director Atsushi Najima
MANILA – Lowering import duties and improving charging infrastructure will drive the demand for e-vehicles in the country, an industry player said Monday.
Nissan Philippines president and managing director Atsushi Najima said a reduction of 5 to 10 percentage points to the current 30-percent import duty would help in the price reduction of e-vehicles.
“It’s a great help for us because… this difference can reduce the price,” he said in a virtual media roundtable as the Japanese carmaker Nissan launched its first full electric vehicle in the Philippines.
The company just introduced a battery-powered hatchback vehicle Sunday, and started receiving orders.
He said a fully charged imported Nissan Leaf can drive up to 311 kilometers, higher than the average of 50 kilometers driving within Metro Manila.
Najima said establishing more charging stations for e-vehicles across the country will help in building the confidence of consumers to buy e-vehicles.
A study commissioned by Nissan to market research firm Frost & Sullivan shows that one of the top concerns of Southeast Asian consumers, including Filipinos, in buying e-vehicles is the availability of charging infrastructure.
Najima also called on e-vehicle companies to work together to develop charging infrastructure in the country.
“We don’t have to compete (with) the competitors. We need to probably work together, even (with) competitors, on how we can set up infrastructure, how we can get incentive or support from (the) government. We continue to work with ourselves, to collaborate with PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority), infrastructure suppliers, even with shopping malls, or entertainment companies,” he added.
Najima said passing legislations that will support the growth of e-vehicles will boost the industry. (PNA)
