The reasoning behind Pascual's objection is deeply flawed and indicates a preference for the approach that is least likely to accomplish the broader goals. Without charging stations being seen as a feasible business here, we will not attract the investment needed to create a charging network, and ultimately, the domestic EV industry will not develop. That increased demand, in turn, will be the incentive for EV and EV component manufacturers to set up shop in the country. Fast charging stations require expensive electrical equipment and connections to distribution grids, which give them very high up-front costs and then have proven to be an operational nightmare due to heavy maintenance requirements. In a recent study, an estimated 1 in 5 charging stations in the US was inoperative due to maintenance failures; in California, it was 1 in 4.

Source: Manila Times March 13, 2024 04:16 UTC