SUSTAINABLE mobility has arrived in the Philippines, and more electric vehicle (EV) distributors are bringing in myriads of their respective EV models.
The next step is an EV charging solution, not just in terms of availability but abundance and ease of access, to convince Filipinos to make the pivotal transition. For starters, EV distributors bundled home charging kits to buyers. Then came a dealership network that set up charging stations in their branches and offered EV charging for free. Even corporate giants have set up EV charging hubs in malls, properties, and offices. Best part? It is free of charge for now.
One company providing sustainable home energy has entered the scene to offer a partnership with the hospitality industry and residential properties to provide EV charging stations. Enter Solarius EV Charging, a sister company of Solarius Energy and they offer free charging units and installation to location partners. The company recently launched its network of public EV charging locations.
The company was established in 2017 and has become the leading solar dealer and installer serving Northern Luzon. They cater to the solar energy needs of residential, commercial, and industrial customers with grid-tie, hybrid, and off-grid systems. The company has installed over 600kWp of solar panels and over 160kWh of Lithium-Ion battery storage for more than 60 customers.
Commercial EV Charging Station
“Solarius EV Charging’s mission is to eliminate range anxiety for EV drivers by building a world-class, nationwide network of ‘destination’ EV charging locations,” said Peter Wilson, CEO. Solarius provides EV owners with a convenient and cost-effective charging experience and financially viable business models for location partners. The target is 60 locations energized by the end of the first quarter (2023), 180 locations by the end of 2023, and over 500 locations by 2025. These EV charging stations will be strategically installed in hotels, shopping malls, and other popular public places.
According to Solarius, charging sessions are activated by scanning each station’s QR code. The SOLARIUS app is available for download on the Apple App store and Google Play, providing an enhanced charging experience. EV drivers are presented with the charging costs before initiating the charging session. Payment methods include credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, as well as pre-paid plans funded by G-Cash, PayMaya, and Western Union. Solarius also offers EV Charging solutions for condo and apartment property management companies to enable tenants to charge at home. They also provide solar-powered EV Charging solutions for private residences and businesses. Cost-wise, charging in partner hotels is at P35/kWh or around P2,450, using a standard charger, achieving 80-90 percent battery charge in 10 hours.
Residential Solar Integrated EV Charger
Solarius is an authorized dealer and installer for UK based “myenergi.” The Zappi EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) is a level 2 charger that can integrate seamlessly with a solar system. According to Solarius, the system automatically senses when the solar system can produce more energy than the home or office consumes. It diverts the excess power to the EV, which ensures enough charging with as much free solar energy as possible and keeps the car battery topped up. There is also a clever boost mode for faster charging, even at night.
The company offers a 7kW Single Phase model. It is the most common charger and would fully charge most EVs in eight hours or less. It is perfect for daytime charging with solar or an overnight charge. There is also a 22kW 3-Phase model, valid for some customers with a three-phase grid power supply who own multiple EVs and want to use a single charging system. If an EV can take a 22kW charge rate, then this charger could recharge that EV in less than 3 hours.
Partnership with Raffles Fairmont Hotel Makati
Meanwhile, Raffles Fairmont Hotel Makati’s breakthrough partnership with Solarius is in line with Accor’s sustainability initiative, Planet 21. Since its launch in 2011, Planet 21’s vision has been “To drive the change towards positive hospitality wherever we are.” Some of Planet 21’s critical programs are “Plant for the Planet,” which aims to plant 10 million trees by the end of 2021. It was initially devoted to reforestation projects and has now evolved into agroforestry projects. Healthy & Sustainable Food Charter is one program that targets controlling food wastage by nurturing an appetite for healthy, sustainable food and a waste-free diet.
According to Aubrey Ada, Raffles Fairmont Hotel Makati’s Hotel Manager, the hotel’s ongoing Planet 21 sustainability and eco-consciousness initiatives also include operating their bee farm and herb garden, including removal of guest-facing single-use plastics (packaging, straw, nonreusable key card, water bottle in rooms, and the likes). Further, they partnered with Plastic Bank Philippines to recycle and reuse PET bottles and a waste management system to save food and eliminate wastage, among others.
“We are happy to partner with Solarius EV Charging as we share the same vision of promoting clean energy and providing convenience to our EV-driving guests. We look forward to launching and setting into motion more sustainability milestones aligned with our Planet 21 thrust”, said Ada.
Wilson, for his part, shared, “We’re delighted that Fairmont Raffles Hotel in Makati is our first location partner in Metro Manila. Accor group is leading the hospitality sector to provide convenient EV charging facilities for its guests and shares Solarius’ vision of accelerating the shift to electric mobility in the Philippines.” Solarius provides free charging stations to qualified location partners and is looking for many more hotels and resorts to add EV Charging facilities nationwide. EV drivers can enjoy comfortable stays at conveniently located resorts and hotels while charging their cars overnight.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino