By Shane Rachel del Rosario
In the fast-paced transportation industry where time proves to be a valuable asset, a Filipino-made rapid-charging system introduces a faster, sustainable, and cheaper way of powering electric vehicles (EV). Meet Engineer Leo Allen Tayo, co-founder and CEO of CHRG EV Technologies Inc., whose innovation promises to revolutionize the e-vehicle industry.
Igniting the CharM
A son of both engineers and an Electronics Engineer by profession himself, Engineer Tayo has solidified his work in research projects on power electronics, solar photovoltaics, and battery technologies. He spent his time getting involved with research on EV and sustainable charging solutions.
CHRG EV Technologies Inc. is a start-up and spin-off company that resulted from the commercialization process of the charging system that he developed during his stay at the University of the Philippines (UP). The innovation was also born through a DOST-funded project called Rapid Electric Vehicle Charging - Charging in Minutes (CharM).
The Philippines has seen an increase in the number of light electric vehicles for public transportation. But more than the convenience that it provides for its passengers, one challenge for its drivers and owners is its charging time which usually takes four to six hours.
In the absence of international fast chargers for Filipino e-vehicles, Engineer Tayo was driven to respond with the need for faster charging time to generate increased revenue for public utility e-vehicle drivers and operators.
“The electric vehicle market in the Philippines started through the public transportation segment where light electric vehicles are utilized. International fast chargers were not yet compatible with domestic vehicles back then. CharM was developed to cater to the unserved EV market in the country where faster charging time translates into an increase in the revenue for public utility EV drivers and operators,” he narrated.
Dubbed as ‘CharM,’ the innovation introduces faster charging time, which would only take an average of 30 minutes to completely power and charge the e-vehicles.
“The CharM technology not only generates the fast charging equipment but also provides the fast charging compatibility on the side of the vehicle. The system is also versatile and can support different charging standards depending on the requirements of the vehicles. CharM provides the fast charger, battery management system, and charge controller for the EV ecosystem to ensure safety and reliability throughout the charging process,” he added.
Driving toward cleaner energy
The CharM technology not only introduces charging efficiency but also environmental sustainability as it incorporates renewable energy and reduces the dependence of communities on imported fossil fuels.
“The CharM technology also incorporates renewable energy when setting up electric vehicle charging stations. Through this implementation, clean energy is utilized from generation down to the road. No emission is created throughout the process and excess energy from solar generation can even be sent back to the grid,” Engineer Tayo explained.
With this innovation, Engineer Tayo also hopes to assist in the adoption and transition to the use of electric vehicles in the country.
“EV adoption can help us address our problems on energy security and independence since it reduces our dependence on imported fossil fuels,” he added.
‘Science for the People’
What started as a charging system that was developed during his stay in UP is slowly making its way toward the Philippine transportation industry. Their encounters with the communities that they aim to serve reminds Engineer Tayo of the true essence of producing promising innovations.
Currently, the CharM charging system is already being used by the growing electric vehicle market in the country. In 2023, CHRG EV Technologies Inc. was included in the Department of Energy’s list of Accredited Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Providers.
They have been building solar charging stations in some areas in Luzon, with Cauayan City, Isabela as the first city to have a commercial EV charging station to service local e-trikes.
Engineer Tayo recalls one encounter with one of the e-trike drivers during the deployment of their solar charging station, “In one site where we built a solar charging station, E-Trike drivers operating the vehicles in the area were previously garbage collectors or workers in the nearby landfill. Everyone came from poverty and they were trying to make a living from this new electric transportation service. One of the drivers stuck out because she was the only woman in the group. But she worked and drove like any other man and most of the time even worked longer hours,”
He did not expect that such an encounter with the woman would leave a mark on his experience as an innovator.
“One day she approached our team carrying some cola bottles and bread from a nearby store. She said this was her small treat for us for setting up the fast charging station as it improved her operations. She even showed us her new ATM card and how she is now able to save some money from the extra income she’s making from driving. That showed me what Science for the People meant,” he narrated.
Powering through the global e-vehicle industry with DOST
The CharM technology is one of the DOST-supported Filipino innovations which will be showcased in the upcoming 2024 WorldInvent Singapore International Invention Show on July 9-11.
Engineer Tayo views this as an opportunity not only to introduce their technology but also to establish potential collaborations in the EV industry.
“We share a lot of common problems in Southeast Asia, especially on transportation, but there are differences in how we deal with and solve these problems. The exposition is a venue to share and also to collaborate on how science and technology can address our common woes,” he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to DOST and UP for their support, “The creation and commercialization of CharM will not be possible without the unwavering support from the Department of Science and Technology and the University of the Philippines,”
In 2015, this innovation won the Most Outstanding R&D Award. CHRG EV Technologies Inc. also jumpstarted its commercialization through the FASTRAC program of DOST-PCIEERD.
Fueling fellow Filipino innovators
Engineer Tayo encourages fellow innovators to continue creating and engaging in research.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just finding a method that does not work. Fruition from research and development takes time, patience, and hard work,” he said.
No matter how big or small, Engineer Tayo also believes that innovations could help in seeing the “world in a different light.”
“As the proverb goes – necessity is the mother of inventions. I don’t believe that if it’s working, don’t fix it. Innovation requires seeing the world in a different light. Even making the smallest improvement on something can go a long way,” he quoted.
The CharM technology proves that Filipino inventions have the potential to spark development in communities. As it takes charge in the global scene, it further ignites and fuels a commitment for innovators – to always pursue science for the people.
** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the participants of the WorldInvent Singapore 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.**
