Industry News
Miles of Sunshine
Nissan has found a new way to turn sunlight into free miles. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, the automaker will unveil the Sakura EV prototype fitted with what it calls the Ao-Solar Extender—a smart solar charging system that could give owners nearly 2,000 miles of extra range every year.
The Ao-Solar Extender comes as a sleek, roof-mounted box that integrates a 300-watt solar panel. When the car is parked, a secondary 200-watt panel slides out over the windshield, boosting total power generation to around 500 watts. Nissan says the setup can supply enough clean energy to drive up to 3,000 kilometers annually, depending on sunlight and location.
For context, the Sakura EV’s standard battery can cover about 180 kilometers on a full charge. With the Ao-Solar Extender, many short-distance drivers could drastically cut back on external charging—or skip it altogether. Nissan’s data suggests that most Sakura users drive only a few dozen kilometers daily, which means the system could provide enough solar power to meet most of their needs.
Aside from the range benefit, the extended solar panel also acts as a sunshade. By blocking sunlight through the windshield, it keeps the cabin cooler, reducing air-conditioning load and saving more battery power.
The system has been aerodynamically designed to blend into the Sakura’s silhouette, minimizing drag while maintaining efficiency even when the vehicle is moving. Nissan added that the Ao-Solar Extender can also function as an emergency power source, allowing owners to tap into stored solar energy during blackouts.
The Sakura EV with the Ao-Solar Extender will make its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29. The tech represents Nissan’s broader goal of helping EV owners rely less on grid charging and more on renewable energy—all while adding practicality and peace of mind to everyday electric driving.
VICOAP and several road safety groups are urging the government to make brake testing mandatory for public utility vehicles after new data showed that many PUVs still operate with unsafe braking systems.
The call was made during a media roundtable in Taguig City, held ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. VICOAP presented its brake test results from January to September 2025, showing that 47.3 percent of inspected PUVs failed to meet minimum brake safety standards. The group said this signals an urgent need to strengthen regular inspections to protect everyday commuters.
Participants from e-Sakay, De La Salle University, WRNumero, and the Philippine Advocates for Road Safety joined the discussion to push for reforms based on real data, not guesswork. WRNumero also shared survey findings showing that eight in ten Filipinos worry about getting into road accidents, with lower-income commuters expressing the most concern.
VICOAP spokesperson Atty. Lester Cavestany emphasized that brake testing is not red tape but a basic safety measure. The organization said it hopes policymakers will refine existing rules and require stricter inspections as part of the DOTr’s Road Safety Action Plan.
Bosch Car Service (BCS) Philippines has become the first independent workshop in the country that is officially authorized to service electric and hybrid vehicles, marking a key step in building a wider after-sales support network for electrified cars.
The milestone was formalized in Cavite on November 7, 2025 through a signing ceremony between ACMobility and Bosch Car Service. The move positions BCS as the lead player in the independent aftermarket sector for EV and hybrid servicing, at a time when more Filipinos are starting to consider electrified vehicles.
BCS now offers a full suite of services for EV and hybrid owners, from basic preventive maintenance and accessory installation to complex work such as high-voltage battery diagnostics, repair, and conditioning. The network also handles mechanical and electrical diagnostics, air-conditioning servicing, software updates, and warranty servicing for its original equipment partners.
According to BCS General Manager Geronimo Campilan, dependable service is becoming a critical part of the shift to electric mobility. He said the joint development with ACMobility is designed to expand access to expert EV care and to give owners more confidence, convenience, and support throughout the ownership cycle.
As an independent aftermarket network, BCS aims to help in three areas. First is giving consumers a more accessible service option for EVs beyond traditional dealer workshops. Second is raising standards for workshops by investing in EV-ready facilities and equipment. Third is supporting multiple car brands that need after-sales partners as they roll out more EV and hybrid models nationwide.
Paulo Duarte, Managing Director of Bosch Philippines, said electric mobility introduces new expectations on safety, technical capability, and service quality. He added that Bosch is equipping its workshops and technicians with advanced tools and skills so they can remain competitive as the EV market develops.
Technicians in the Bosch Car Service network undergo global certification and specialized training in high-voltage safety and EV or hybrid systems at Bosch training centers. The company says this continuous upskilling is meant to ensure every workshop can deliver safe and expert care that follows international standards.
The initiative aligns with Bosch’s “Invented for Life” philosophy and complements ACMobility’s wider investments in EV charging hubs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, where the group is developing digital platforms to make it easier for customers to locate chargers and service centers nationwide.
With the expanded capabilities of Bosch Car Service Philippines, EV and hybrid owners now have a dedicated independent workshop network that can provide bumper-to-bumper care as the country moves deeper into the electrified era.
Unioil Petroleum Philippines Inc. has officially sealed a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned energy giant Aramco, marking a major milestone for the Philippine fuel industry. Under the deal, Aramco acquired a 25-percent equity stake in Unioil, a move that strengthens both companies’ foothold in the fast-growing local energy market.
With nearly six decades of experience, Unioil is known as one of the country’s leading fuel distributors and a pioneer in cleaner fuel products. The new partnership grants Unioil access to Aramco’s global refining and logistics network, ensuring a stable fuel supply to meet rising demand in the Philippines while supporting national energy security.
Unioil CEO Janice Co Roxas-Chua called the agreement “a new chapter defined by innovation and excellence,” adding that the collaboration would allow the company to expand its reach and elevate customer service. President Kenneth Pundanera said the deal aligns with Unioil’s vision of becoming the fuel retailer of choice, highlighting the partnership as proof of global confidence in the Philippine market.
The Philippine Competition Commission earlier cleared the transaction, paving the way for this strategic alliance aimed at driving innovation, growth, and sustainability in the local energy sector.
