Electric trikes may soon come to Davao Oriental, following Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s meeting with the Department of Energy (DOE) over its push for greener and energy efficient public transport systems.

The e-trike project is part of the agency’s Alternative Fuels Program, DOE Senior Science Researcher Specialist Simon Leonor said.

The DOE said promoting greener, more energy efficient and cleaner technologies are a way to help the country secure its energy supply. Partnering with local government units will allow public transport groups to become oriented with the project.

“Among its advantages are cheaper to run, pollution-free, noise reduction, and more efficient,” Leonor said.

Leonor said the e-trikes will post a higher income in the long run than fuel-ran tricycles. Operating costs start at P80 with 7 kilowatts per hour (kWh), and a five-year 0r 80,000-kilometer warranty.

Asian Development Bank funds the project under the Market Transformation through Introduction of Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles Project program.

Governor Dayanghirang said the project is timely because the province is currently promoting eco-tourism.

The DOE is planning to develop the local market in Davao Oriental and encourage the private sector to invest in the project.

“This is a free enterprise and we do want the private sector to take over as long as they follow the standards of manufacturing,” the DOE said.