BIZ BUZZ: Even telcos turn to EV

Jaw-dropping fuel prices are pushing not just motorists—but listed firms—toward electric vehicles (EVs).

Tycoon Dennis Uy-led Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is among those shifting gears, with plans to add more than 100 electric and hybrid units to its fleet, primarily for installation, maintenance and repair operations across Metro Manila.

This expansion will effectively double its current EV fleet of around 120 units, as the fiber broadband provider moves to shield operations from volatile fuel costs.

“The ongoing oil supply crisis is reinforcing the value of sustainability, particularly initiatives that reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said Laurice Esteban-Tuason, corporate sustainability officer at Converge.

“At Converge, we have been expanding our use of alternative energy sources for our data centers and gradually electrifying our service vehicles, as part of our long-term effort to reduce our carbon emissions,” Esteban-Tuason added.

Converge is targeting to convert at least 20 percent of its fleet and contractor vehicles to EVs and hybrids by 2030.

To support the transition, Converge has rolled out an EV charging station at its Pasig headquarters and is looking to install more across its Metro Manila sites.

It is also nudging employees to adopt cleaner transport through a car subsidy program that covers hybrid and EVs.

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With the Middle East conflict still raging, Converge is effectively betting that electrification will help sustain operations through the current fuel crunch and beyond.

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