By Monsi A. Serrano
Nissan Philippines is poised to go full blast on its fully electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, in 2021 with and end in mind to provide safe, smart, and sustainable mobility solutions in the country.
While electric vehicles (EVs) have not yet taken over the Philippines’ streets, President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima said the Nissan LEAF is intended for the mass market.
Najima told THEPHILBIZNEWS that he is optimistic about the surprising gambit taken by Nissan Philippines and also revealed that they are currently working with the government for the grant of some support for EVs in the country.
He underscored that the introduction and ramping up of EVs in the market requires a measure of educating the motoring public.
In this line, Nissan PH plans to come up with sustained education to their customers and other parties who show interest about the Nissan LEAF’s benefits to consumers and environment given the fact that many have questions and misconceptions about EVs.
The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 states in the Article 1 Section 13 on Emission Charge System encourages the motoring industry, and motor vehicles to abate, reduce, or prevent pollution.
Industries, which shall install pollution control devices or retrofit their existing facilities with mechanisms that reduce pollution shall be entitled to tax incentives such as but not limited to tax credits and/or accelerated depreciation deductions.
With Nissan PH pushing for EVs in the country, there have been calls from certain sectors for government to restructure the incentives.
There is no denying that EVs have a growing market and vast potential and it now depends on the Philippines on how it plays its cards this early to keep pace with developments in neighboring Southeast Asian countries.