Eco-Gridlock: Why 1,000 New EVs Might Be the Next Traffic Nightmare

The proposal by Green and Smart Mobility Philippines Inc. (GSM) to deploy 1,000 electric taxis in Iloilo City is wrapped in the seductive language of the future. It promises “clean energy,” “modernization,” and compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). But beneath the glossy, eco-friendly veneer lies a logistical reality that the City Government cannot afford to ignore. If approved without strict conditions, this fleet will not solve our transport woes; it will merely electrify our gridlock.

Physics is stubborn. A zero-emission vehicle occupies the exact same road space as a diesel-belching sedan. Proponents argue that these 1,000 units will reduce the city’s carbon footprint, but they fail to address the city’s physical footprint.

Data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) paints a concerning picture. The number of “For-hire” vehicles in Iloilo City exploded from 8,859 in 2022 to 33,751 in 2023—a nearly 400% increase in just one year. This surge, likely driven by the mass registration of previously “colorum” or unregistered tricycles and e-trikes under stricter enforcement campaigns, means our streets are already saturated. Adding 1,000 new units on top of this figure is far from sustainable mobility; it is sustainable congestion. Unless concerned authorities enforce a strict “swap” policy – requiring the retirement of one old, polluting internal combustion engine (ICE) unit for every new EV franchise granted – we are simply adding more corks to an existing bottle.

GSM claims it will build its own charging infrastructure, yet the city’s current grid reality suggests we are playing catch-up. While initiatives like the new 22kW charging station at Festive Walk Mall are welcome, they are tokenistic compared to the industrial load required by a commercial fleet.

Charging 1,000 electric taxis requires megawatts of reliable power. Without a publicly disclosed grid impact study approved by MORE Power and the City Engineer’s Office, this proposal is premature. Where will these hubs be located? Does the current distribution network have the capacity to handle peak-hour charging without causing brownouts in residential areas? Approving the franchises before the infrastructure is built is a recipe for disaster—leading to “dead” taxis clogging streets or massive queues at the few working chargers available.

Finally, we must question the core premise of “rising commuter demand.” If the for-hire fleet truly grew to 34,760 units in 2024, why are commuters still complaining about a lack of rides? The problem might not be the shortage of vehicle but problems with traffic management and route efficiency.

It is wise on the part of the City Government the thumb down the proposal given the traffic debacle and the moratorium on the new taxi franchises.

Throwing 1,000 more cars at a logistics problem is a lazy solution. It benefits the operator, who stands to gain from EVIDA incentives, but burdens the commuter with denser traffic. Before granting a single new franchise, the City Government must audit the efficiency of the existing 34,000+ for-hire units. We need a smart grid and smarter routes, not just more smart cars.