Motoring Today Column

Jun 29, 2022

Soon after warning e-scooter and e-bike riders that it will start to strictly enforce regulations on the use of the mode of personal transport now growing in popularity, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has established a free charging station for their users.

In announcing the launch of the charging station, the MMDA said this was meant "to encourage use of alternative modes of transportation and promote green and renewable energy."

Powered by solar panels, the charging station is located at the new MMDA head office building in Barangay Ugong, Pasig City.

Charging is free but e-scooter and e-bike riders need to bring their own cables.

With only six 220-volt charging outlets and only open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., the charging station can only service a limited number of e-scooter and e-bike users, perhaps those who live near the MMDA head office, or whose daily commute pass nearby.

However, the MMDA said it plans to establish a similar charging station at the MMDA headquarters in Orense, Makati, which should benefit those whose routes take them through EDSA.

One notable thing about the charging station is that it is powered by solar energy. But when the power harvested from the sun proves insufficient to charge e-scooters and e-bikes, the station can tap into the power grid of the MMDA building.

When more than enough solar power is harvested, the surplus can be distributed back to the building's power grid, the MMDA said.

This system should prove sustainable for the long haul.

Perhaps other government agencies - both local and national - can set up similar solar-powered free charging stations to encourage the use of e-vehicles.

This should be a boon to users of e-bikes and e-scooters, especially now that fuel prices have skyrocketed enough for MMDA to notice a huge drop of private vehicles passing through EDSA.

This should encourage more people to try using e-bikes and e-scooters for their daily commute for work.

More e-scooters and e-bikes in the metro may not sit well with those who are already complaining they are a nuisance and a danger on city streets.

It falls to authorities like the MMDA, the Land Transportation Office, and local government units to balance the interests and safety of users of e-bikes, e-scooters and other modes of so-called active transport with those of private motorists.

The establishment of bike lanes supposedly for exclusive use of active transport is a step in the right direction, although implementation has been the subject of questions and criticism.

Another could be a network of car-less streets but this could entail some political will as well as more willing cooperation among LGUs.

A worsening fuel crisis should make this a more viable proposition.

The MMDA is also doing right in appealing to e-bike and e-scooter users "to adhere to the Land Transportation Office's Administrative Order No. 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles for their own safety."

\Overlanding, Anyone?

Merriam-Webster doesn't have a definition for overlanding yet.

Wikipedia however defines overlanding as "self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal."

It adds: "Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries."

Some people however say overlanding is just a trendy term for camping.

Whether or not familiar with the term overlanding, off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts should be excited about the 2022 Petron Philippine Overland Expedition, Pacific Coast Challenge.

Mototesto Overland Equipment, in cooperation with Petron Philippines, is holding the first ever overlanding competition with more than P1 million worth of prizes up for grab.

Held simultaneously with the 6th Philippine Overland Expo, the Philippine Overland Expedition: Pacific Coast Challenge takes place on October 12 to 16.

The overlanding competition is open to at least 30 teams composed of six persons and three 4x4 vehicles each.

Over four days and three nights, the teams will compete in fulfilling various quests during a 285-kilometer overlanding expedition from San Fernando in Pampanga to General Nakar in Quezon, over a route that includes some 160 kilometers of paved roads and 120 kilometers of gravel, sand, mud, rocky trails, and river crossings.

Levante Hybrid

The Maserati Levante Hybrid has arrived.

Modena Motorsports, the official distributor of Maserati in the Philippines, is now making the Levante Hybrid available locally.

This is second Maserati hybrid model to be offered locally following the Ghibli Hybrid sedan.

The Levante is the first Maserati SUV to come with a hybrid powertrain.

Powered by a mild hybrid powertrain that comprises a 2-liter inline 4 engine with 48-volt e-motor that combined generates 330 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque, the Levante Hybrid has a top speed of over 240 kilometers per hour and can go from naught to 100 kph in six seconds.

The Levante Hybrid comes with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive system with limited slip self-locking mechanical rear differential.

Happy Motoring!!!

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