DOE launches E-Trike design contest in Davao

The Department of Energy XI launched here Wednesday, January 18, during the weekly Club 888 Forum at the Marco Polo Hotel the nationwide e-trike design contest that will choose from amongst the talented and artistic Filipinos the best 2D or 3D computer-aided drawings to be used as the official design of the three-wheeled electric vehicle of DOE's E-Trike Project.

Department of Energy XI spokesperson Engr. Antonio de Guzman said the Electric Tricycle Project of the DOE here in e region is awaiting for the approval of the Regional Development Council XI before it finally takes off as scheduled this year.

"This is the reason why DOE is looking for the best e-trike design from the talented Filipinos. The winning entry in this contest will be used as the official design for the electric tricycle which will be manufactured and distributed to local government units," said de Guzman.

Mechanics given out by the DOE require the design to showcase a modern tricycle innovation with a maximum of six passengers excluding the driver.

Electronic vehicles will be deployed in selected local government units and are expected to roam the streets starting this year.

An e-trike is being pushed by the national government as it creates less pollution and serves as environment-friendly alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Experts attest that an e-trike has zero emissions because it emits no pollutants.

Before DOE signals a go to its E-Trike Project which is scheduled this year until 2017, the office found it necessary that the vehicle design must be contributed by the public.

It has opened the design competition to all Filipino citizens of legal age (18 years old and above), whether individual or group residing in the Philippines.

The design must be in 2D and 3D CAD drawings using AutoCAD software with corresponding design description. It must be submitted in both CD and hardcopy (A3) and enclosed in a sealed envelope.
DOE guidelines states that the entry must be original, new, and have not been used for commercial or demonstration purposes. It must not also contain the name or logo of the participating individual, school, or establishment.

The entry must be personally submitted or sent by courier accompanied by completely filled up official registration form which they can download from the DOE website www.doe.gov.ph or at PIA website www.pia.gov.ph.

Entries must be sent to Nationwide E-Trike Design Contest, c/o Energy Utilization Management Bureau, Department of Energy, Merritt Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1631.

Deadline of submission is on February 17, at 4pm , while the final judging is set on February 24 at the DOE Head Office.

The official entries will be adjudged based on aesthetics/creativity (50%), originality (20%), safety and functionality (20%), and ergonomics or ease of passenger entry-accessibility, space requirements, and total passenger comfort (10%).

The top 3 winning entries will each receive 200,000 and their designs will automatically become the exclusive property of DOE. -PIA — ARA