Dr. Joel Macatula can be considered as a trailblazing figure not just in the medical and electrical engineering fields, but you could say the same thing when it comes to his advocacy when it comes to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Renowned for his contributions as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Joel’s passion for innovation has driven him to champion sustainable transportation through his fervent support for BEV adoption.
Although Dr. Joel’s professional journey led him to medicine, his fascination with electrical engineering remained unwavering. This passion has culminated in his role as a pioneer in the Filipino EV landscape. Installing charging stations at his residence in Paranaque City, he not only transformed his own transportation but also set an inspiring example for others to follow.
A remarkable testament to Dr. Joel’s expertise, even when traveling to the United States to visit family, he’s the go-to person for electrical repairs. His affinity for electrical systems has garnered him a reputation as a trusted advisor, even being consulted by some EV distributors seeking guidance on installing charging stations for electricity provider companies.
Dr. Joel’s dedication extends beyond his personal pursuits, as he actively participates in the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) and the Electric Vehicle Owners Society (EVOS). His passion for electric mobility has led him to possess not one, but three EVs — a BYD Song acquired in 2021, a BYD Dolphin in 2022, and a Wuling Gameboy in 2023 — each reflecting his commitment to sustainable transportation alternatives.
Residing in ParaƱaque while working in Laguna, he has amassed a remarkable feat of driving over 100,000 kilometers with his EVs — a milestone that underscores his dedication to redefining travel norms and dispelling range anxiety concerns.
Speaking about the advancements in EV technology, Dr. Joel highlights, “The current EVs with ranges of up to 400 kilometers have eradicated the once-present range anxiety. With the average daily commute being less than 50 kilometers, EV users have ample time to charge at home or the workplace.”
Dr. Joel Macatula stands as an emblematic figure in the Philippines’ transition to cleaner and greener transportation. His unwavering passion, practical insights, and relentless pursuit of sustainable progress epitomize the spirit of positive change, inspiring both the medical and engineering communities to embark on a sustainable journey towards a brighter future.
Yeah for the rich BEV, but for the masses ICE lang muna
ReplyDeleteBrave soul
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I've been saying about the current state of EVs, they're for the rich. They're priced for the rich, they require infrastructure only the rich can afford. EVs will be democratized, but it'll be way far in the future before it does. I may no longer be alive to witness it.
ReplyDeleteThere are affordable EVs in the Philippines like the Jetour QQ Ice Cream,the Wulings of GRC and Nissan Leaf
DeleteMGZS EV and Omoda 5 EV are coming later this year.
Only people with money to burn can AFFORD to buy an EV right now, don't limit affordability to the sticker price. Current and soon-to-be EV owners will probably have back up cars, just in case. First-time car buyers definitely can't afford that.
DeleteAside from the current insuficient EV infrastructure in the country, there is a need to urgently upgrade the power supply situation in the country as these EVs will become a significant demand in the future. Hybrid EVs are more practical for now. EVs are not totally helping the environment as well as the pollution is just being transferred from the source since most of our power supply are not from renewable energy sources. The EV industry is depleting natural resources being used for making batteries and its disposal is causing more harm as well. Hopefully Toyota can fully develop and catchup with EVs with their hydrogem powered vehicles as an additional alternative.
ReplyDeleteKodus to you Doc for bringing awareness and driving passion with the people!
Hydrogen powered vehicles won't be fully mass produced for another 15 to 20 years as most car manufacturers prefer EV technology instead
DeleteWho knows, tech now are very fast on evolving. Solid state battery is coming...current battery tech used for today's EV'S will be obsolete in a year or two.
DeleteHave u heard of Sodium Ion batteries? Also, EV batteries can have a second life as storage batteries for big renewable power projects, not to mention research on recycling them.
DeleteHydrogen is a dead end, many legacy auto makers have spent considerable money on it, with little to nothing to show for it.
DeleteToyota is wasting its money on a technology that isn't gonna improve anymore
DeleteBetter spend that money on coming back to F1 or improve its EV
Nope. A very niche product atm and for the foreseeable future. Government is reactive and greedy brands take advantage of the tax exemptions to realize more profits. Not to mention we have high electricity rates in the country compared to neighbors.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, the proliferation of cheap e-vehicles should be contained and regulated ASAP. They add to public road congestion and they are a safety hazard especially newbie users who don't have LTO license and are ignorant to road laws.
It seems you're ignorant about the EV classifications in effect.
DeleteAno raw???
ReplyDeleteDi ko din alam ser. Daming hulabaloo, umiikot ang ulo ko.
Deleteš¤£š¤£š¤£...š¤£š¤£š¤£...š¤Æš¤Æš¤Æ
DeletePilit ang english at magulo ang context. Sana tinagalog na lang
DeleteNose bleed
DeleteIf you have the dough, buy EVs. The more the better.
ReplyDeleteCoding requires another car, if you sell “another” car and your current car, then you have money to buy an EV. Once you have an EV car imagine savings on “fuel” costs and many more.
ReplyDeleteYou're too Metro Manila-centric. Go to the provinces every once in a while.
DeleteToo pricy, Hassle yang cige cige charge EV, how about if you go to baguio or provinces??? Dinaman bumili ng car pra sa city lang gamitin. Madali p Masira EV sa baha compared to ICE. For now pang rich langyan, they can use EV on city and ICE cars for out of town
DeleteFor out of town EV cars are provided mobile chargers that can be plugged at any outlet, rural homes, resorts just offer to pay what you loaded, friendly gas stations and others. Baguio just drive to SM, have lunch while charging your car for free.
DeleteIt's still much easier to pop in at a gas station and have your tank refilled. Philippine EV infrastructure is just not there yet for wide EV adoption.
DeleteHuh? But EVs are still exempt from number coding, last time I check.
DeleteI think the anon's point was that car owners have coding cars, and if you sell both cars you can buy an EV. I don't think that point is valid for people outside Metro Manila though, coding is only a thing in Metro Manila after all.
DeleteMe doing 200,000 spin cycles on my washing machine does not make my opinion on washing machines any more credible than anyone's opinion.
ReplyDeleteSame with this guy.
^labandero š
DeleteStill a better job than a neurosurgeon.
DeleteActually it does, as compared to someone who doesn't know anything sa washing machines. Anyone would find your words more credible, because experience is a thing. Just piggybacking on your point.
DeleteGood to see ang perspective from someone who actually drives an EV, than random naysayers online who don't even own one.
We need more of those affordable small EVs similar to Jetour QQ Ice Cream,Wuling Mini EV and BAW Pony.
ReplyDeleteThese are really good city cars and they're more affordable than Thailand and Indonesian made hybrid vehicles.
EU lauched an investigation into china electric car STATE SUBSIDIES. Maybe They will soon implement dumping tax on china EV's to protect EU EV's industry. By the way all nation give incentives to EV's, its just that EU EV industry were napping when china accelerate its EV program.
ReplyDelete