PMFTC Inc has started to deploy 10 electric vehicles (EVs) for its service fleet in a pilot program that sees the Philippines’ leading tobacco company expanding its vision to deliver a smoke-free future by reducing its carbon output.
“Our journey of transformation is naturally linked to our Sustainable Fleet initiative. Just as our ambition is to replace cigarettes with better alternatives as quickly as possible, we have a responsibility to have a net positive impact on society by reducing the environmental impact of our products, operations, and value chain. This is our commitment to become a major part of the Philippines’ shift towards electro-mobility,” said PMFTC president Denis Gorkun.
As the first Philip Morris International (PMI) affiliate to shift to using EVs, the deployment aligns with PMI’s low-carbon transition plan which commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 and net-zero emissions of its value-chain by 2040.
PMFTC is the first company in the country to deploy fully electric vehicles for its salesmen. The EVs will be used to service the company’s areas of operations in Pasig, Marikina and Rizal.
The company’s EV fleet consist of 10 BYD T3 Mini Vans, which are 100% electric logistics vehicles with a range of 250km, with each vehicle having a carrying capacity of up to 700 kilos in load. The vehicles will be supported by BYD’s NCR-based service center.
In minimizing its fleet’s dependence on fossil fuels, the EVs are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 84,954 kg. per year.
“Reducing consumption to cut greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing fossil fuel use and prioritizing nature-based solutions is us doing our part to make sure our employees, customers, and stakeholders to improve sustainability,” Gorkun said.
PMFTC targets to deploy another set of 10 EV units before the year ends.
In addition, the company plans to enhance its telematics technologies to promote eco-driving behaviors and improve safety, efficiency and productivity among its fleet drivers.
