The Philippines’ transition to electric vehicles (EVs) depends not only on the availability of vehicles but also on the power infrastructure that keeps them running. Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, highlighted this need as it participated in the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit for the third consecutive year, together with its wholly owned electric mobility arm, Movem Electric, Inc.
Grid modernization, dependable electricity, and accessible charging facilities were among the priorities raised by Meralco and Movem during the three-day summit held from October 22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Under the theme “Driving ASEAN Forward: Building an Integrated Electric Mobility Ecosystem,” the gathering brought industry stakeholders together to discuss the infrastructure, policies, energy systems, and customer solutions needed to accelerate EV adoption.
Building the Power Network for Electric Mobility
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho emphasized that electric transportation will require a power network capable of meeting new demands while remaining resilient and responsive. He said the company is investing in infrastructure to prepare for the increasing use of EVs and other distributed energy resources.
“As the country’s largest distribution utility, Meralco continues to invest in network infrastructure and grid modernization to support the growing demand from electric vehicles and other distributed energy resources while advancing the nation’s broader energy transition,” he said.
Aperocho also described Meralco’s participation in the EV ecosystem through three roles: enabler, end-user, and market participant. Within its franchise area, the company now powers more than 2,000 EV charging points across public, private, and residential establishments. It is also working toward electrifying 25% of its vehicle fleet by 2030, with an expanded charging network and workplace charging access and corporate EV programs for employees supporting the effort.
At the Meralco-Movem booth, the companies presented charging options for homes and commercial establishments. Meralco helps residential customers meet the electrical requirements for EV-ready homes and encourages the safe, proper installation of home chargers. For businesses, it provides assistance with electrical infrastructure requirements and the energization of charging stations so establishments can accommodate EV charging services.
Expanding Charging and Fleet Solutions
Movem presented services designed to cover different stages of electric mobility for individuals and businesses. Its offerings include EV supply and leasing, fleet operations, EV shuttling and e-transport services, and charging solutions for corporate and commercial fleets, private establishments, and public charging facilities.
These services are supported by ChargeM, Movem’s charging management platform, which helps customers manage and optimize charging operations. Together, Meralco’s power infrastructure investments and Movem’s mobility services address two connected requirements for wider EV adoption: a reliable electricity network and practical solutions for charging and operating electric vehicles.
As electric mobility develops in the Philippines, the readiness of the power grid and charging network will influence how easily households, businesses, and transport operators can make the shift. Reliable infrastructure is therefore not just an industry concern; it is part of ensuring that electric transportation can become a workable option for more Filipinos.
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