E-bike riders can use MMDA's solar charging station for free

MMDA launches free solar charging station at new head office

For the last couple of weeks, fuel prices have been constantly rising due to the global oil crisis. IIn some areas, the price per liter of gasoline and diesel has already breached the PHP 100.00 barrier.

This is not a problem though if you’re riding an electric bike or electric scooter.

Starting June 27, 2022, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will open its free e-bike/scooter charging station to the public. The charging station is located the agency’s new head office in Pasig City. The new charging station will be open from 6:00AM to 7:00PM daily.

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes the project would help ease the burden of the public amid the high cost of petroleum products by providing them free services that they can avail whenever they need to charge their e-vehicles.

“Putting up free charging stations for electronic vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters would encourage the public to use alternative mode of transportation and at the same time help them save expenses from high fuel costs,” Artes said.

Three solar panels with built-in inverter will be the main power source of the station with a total of six 220V charging outlets. Those who wish to charge their e-vehicles must bring their own charging cords and cables.

The charging station uses solar power from the panels overhead. If the sun power isn't sufficient, the station will tap into the main power grid of the building to compensate for the shortage. Likewise, all excess electricity being harnessed by the solar panels will be distributed back to the building.

Artes also said that he is planning to build a similar charging station at the older MMDA headquarters in Orense, Makati to accommodate those who are traversing EDSA.

Meanwhile, Artes appealed to e-bikers and e-scooter drivers to adhere to the Land Transportation Office's Administrative Order No. 2021-039 or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles for their own safety.