Electrified patrol: NLEX adds Kicks e-Power, Outlander PHEV to its fleet

Don’t be surprised if you see more electrified vehicles patrolling the entire stretch of the North Luzon Expressway soon.

In its bid to further reduce the carbon footprint of its expressway operations, NLEX Corporation has added the Nissan Kicks e-Power and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to its patrol vehicle fleet.

The Kicks e-Power and Outlander PHEV is expected to share patrol duties with the existing fleet of NLEX that consists mostly of Toyota Hilux pickups. Currently, the tollway company says they already have six units on duty, while 8 more are expected to be turned over to them this month.

It’s not the first time an MPTC-operated tollway has adopted EVs on its fleet. In CALAX, MPTC has activated Dongfeng Rich 6 EV pickups and an EV van as their service vehicles for day-to-day operations.

Along with the electrification of its fleet, NLEX Corporation is building EV charging stations in the Sta. Rita office in Bulacan, as well as at the Balintawak office. The company says both of the EV charging stations will use solar energy and feature DC fast charging, as they say the stations can charge an EV’s battery from 0 to 85% in only 40 minutes.

Furthermore, NLEX is advancing the use of solar power roofing and solar perimeter lighting units in their offices to reduce their reliance to grid power and utilize renewable energy. Three technical shelters that house their telecom systems are now being run by solar energy, allowing NLEX’s phones and intercom systems to remain functional in case of power outage.

Other green initiatives of MPTC include rainwater recovery systems at the SCTEX area and tree planting activities through the "Greening the NLEX" program.

“There is no effort too small in trying to make a change in our environment. Even simple waste segregation makes a huge impact in rescuing our planet. We at NLEX assure the public that we will continue our journey towards a greener tomorrow,” said J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corporation President and General Manager.