This PH bus company is trying out EV buses for provincial routes

Electric buses are now being used as airport shuttles and for inter-city commutes in the country, but a well-known bus company that operates in the North Luzon area is rolling the dice into adopting zero-emissions buses for use in long-distance travels in provincial routes.

Victory Liner has revealed the new additions to its fleet – two units of the Higer V12E electric bus, which will serve as the first fully electric provincial commuter buses in the country.

The provincial bus operator is set to deploy the two units for the Cubao QC to San Fernando, Pampanga route by the first week of December. Victory Liner says the Higer V12E electric bus is capable of completing two roundtrips before needing a recharge. If we take their word for it, then the Higer V12E has an all-electric range of more than 280 km.

Much like other provincial buses, the Higer V12E electric bus can carry up to 65 passengers. For its initial rollout, Victory Liner will be charging PHP 141 pesos for its maiden route – the same fare being charged to passengers when riding the company’s diesel-powered buses.

According to reports, the initial units had a special price of PHP 5 million each. Aside from reducing carbon emissions, operators of electric buses can benefit from lower operating costs and lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

Hopefully, the eco-friendly buses prove to be effective in provincial routes and influence other transport companies to follow suit.