MPCALA modernizing fleet, installing e-vehicle charging stations in CALAX

by Richmond Mercurio – The Philippine Star, 28 Dec 2021

MANILA, Philippines — MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MHI), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., is set to install electric vehicle charging stations while also modernizing its fleet of traffic and security vehicles in the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) as part of the toll road’s goal of becoming a green highway.

MHI said it would transition the company’s entire fleet of traffic and security vehicles in the CALAX into environment-friendly electric vehicles.

The company will also put up e-vehicle charging stations along CALAX for its fleet and other e-vehicles plying the expressway.

“As each vehicle in our fleet hits its end of life, we replace them with EVs. In a broad sense EVs create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles,” MPTC chief finance officer and senior executive sponsor for sustainability Christopher Lizo said.

Lizo said the company’s move to transition to EV is aligned with MPTC’s strategy to help decarbonize the transport sector.

“This is in support of our country’s goal of reducing its fossil-fuel consumption as part of its thrust for sustainable development,” he said.

CALAX EVs are supplied by eSakay, a Meralco company that provides end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions.

The vehicles are zero-emission, which will help in reducing carbon footprint. eSakay’s strong experience in green mobility deployments allows it to provide the necessary expertise and support to the sustainability initiative of MHI and MPTC for its tollways.

MHI has also started integrating energy-efficient and resource-saving technologies, while also maintaining the high standard of road safety features along CALAX.

Existing toll plazas of the operational sections of CALAX are equipped with solar panels that can power their own operations.

Lightings and roadway lightings are installed with LED fixtures, thereby improving the company’s energy efficiency measures.

Furthermore, the company’s headquarters in Imus, Cavite is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)- registered building with a certification goal of LEED Gold.

Lizo earlier said MPTC is eyeing to avail, over the medium term, of green financing for CALAX, becoming the first in the country to tap green financing for a toll road project.

He said green financing comes with the obligation of keeping and maintaining certain standards in terms of the company’s commitment to make the road sustainable.

CALAX is a 45-kilometer high-speed road network connecting the two provinces of Cavite and Laguna.

The expressway currently operates from Binan, Laguna up to the east of Silang, Cavite.

The P52.5 billion CALAX targets to serve around 45,000 motorists upon its full completion by 2023. Scheduled for completion by the third quarter of next year is the CALAX Cavite segment.