In a bold move toward sustainable urban mobility, Voltai, a startup under Aboitiz Power Corporation’s 1882 Energy Ventures, has officially rolled out the country’s first large-scale electric two-wheel battery swap system. This innovative ecosystem is specifically designed to address the unique needs of business-to-business fleet operations, including logistics providers, food delivery services, and ride-hailing companies. By introducing this technology, Voltai aims to eliminate the primary barrier to electric vehicle adoption in the commercial sector: the long downtime associated with traditional plug-in charging.
The center of this new ecosystem is the AP01 electric scooter, a vehicle engineered specifically for the demanding conditions of Philippine roads. Unlike conventional electric bikes that require hours to recharge, the Voltai system allows riders to swap a depleted battery for a fully charged one in just a matter of seconds. This seamless transition is supported by a network of 15 pilot battery-swapping stations established through strategic partnerships with fuel retailer Cleanfuel and co-living brand MyTown. These stations are strategically located across Metro Manila, ensuring that delivery riders and fleet operators can maintain peak efficiency throughout their shifts.
Voltai’s business model is built on a leasing framework that shields companies from the high upfront costs of purchasing electric vehicles and the volatility of fluctuating fuel prices. By offering a fixed-fee lease for both the EVs and the batteries, the startup provides a predictable and cost-effective alternative to traditional internal combustion engine fleets. Beyond the hardware, the system is integrated with a dedicated mobile application and a web-based management platform. This digital suite allows riders to find the nearest swap station via Google Maps and permits fleet managers to track real-time data on mileage, battery health, and carbon emission reductions.
The launch of Voltai aligns with the Philippine government’s push for a cleaner transport sector under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). As the nation seeks to modernize its energy and transport landscapes, initiatives like this battery swap network serve as a practical roadmap for decarbonization. Voltai has already announced plans to expand its network further into Metro Manila and neighboring provinces by 2026, strengthening after-sales support and ensuring that the transition to green mobility is both accessible and reliable for the Filipino workforce.
With additional report: philstar.com
