NLEX Corp. adds more EV units to fleet

MANILA: To further cut down the carbon footprint in its operations, NLEX Corporation has added more electrified vehicles (EV) to its fleet.

Per the tollway operator, it already has six new energy vehicles and eight more examples are anticipated to be turned over within the month.

As seen in the photo below, part of the NLEX Corporation’s EV fleet includes the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) and the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

 

“Electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The transition to electric vehicles for company vehicles, which we started last year, is an impactful way to integrate sustainability into our day- to-day operations,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista said.

Measuring 4,695 millimeters (mm) long; 1,800 mm wide; and 1,710 mm tall; the Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.40liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine with electric twin motors that comes with a Super All-Wheel Control four-wheel-drive system. Among its energy saving technologies are the EV switch, Eco-mode, and regenerative braking system.

The pricing of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at P2.998 million.

Meanwhile, the Nissan Kicks e-Power is a five-seater subcompact crossover that is 4,300 mm long; 1,760 mm wide; and 1,615 mm tall. The powertrain is an electric motor that gets its juice from a gasoline mill.

Available in three trims namely the EL, VE, and VL, the Nissan Kicks e-Power’s pricing ranges from P1.239 million-P1.539 million.

Other efforts

Aside from acquiring EV units that will be utilized in its transportation network, charging stations are also being put up in its offices in Santa Rita, Bulacan and in Balintawak. The former is eyed to be completed by next month while the latter, by the third quarter of 2024.

The EV charging stations — which will harvest energy via solar panels — are capable of juicing up EV batteries from zero to 85 percent in less than an hour.

According to NLEX Corporation, the initiatives are part of the company’s commitment to do more for motorists and the environment, saying that it advances the company’s operational efficiency and promotes sustainability. It noted that the program is also in line with the Metro Pacific Group’s commitment to help the Philippines meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Shifting to an e-vehicle fleet is also part of NLEX’s sustainability efforts as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 50001 (Energy Management System) and Integrated Management System (IMS) certified company.

“This year, we will also broaden the use of renewable and solar energy in our premises, and we will execute even the simplest greening initiatives we possibly can, to contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future,” Bautista shared.

Aside from the use of EV, the company also advances its use of solar power roofing and solar perimeter lighting system in the parking areas of the NLEX offices. Targeted to be completed by the third quarter of the year. Additionally, three NLEX technical shelters are already solar energy-powered. Telecom systems are installed in the said shelters, which allows the functionality of NLEX’s phones and intercoms in case of power outage.

Further, the company also has rainwater recovery systems located in Dolores, Dinalupihan, Floridablanca, Mabiga, Clark North and South. The said facilities can store and repurpose approximately 81,000 liters of water each that are being used in SCTEX areas.

Moreover, around 10,000 trees have also been planted through last year’s Greening the NLEX program and is keen on planting another 10,000 more.

Aside from that, 28.57 tons of residual waste have been reduced through its strict implementation of proper waste segregation and prohibition of single-used plastics inside NLEX’s premises and corporate activities.

“There is no effort too small in trying to make a change in our environment. Even simple waste segregation makes a huge impact in rescuing our planet. We at NLEX assure the public that we will continue our journey towards a greener tomorrow,” Bautista stated.

Photos from NLEX Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Jirehl Kent Flores

Also read:

NLEX earns ‘excellent’ energy management certification

Over 211K Trees Planted Around NLEX, SCTEX Under 'Greening the NLEX' Program