Fresh BYD Dolphins arrive in Valenzuela City, augment local gov't, police fleet

MANILA: Following the turnover of an initial unit last January, the remainder of the 41-unit fleet of BYD Dolphins were recently turned over to the City Government of Valenzuela.

In a statement, the local government unit (LGU) shared that the aforementioned number of units delivered are part of its “transition to sustainable and eco-friendly alternative transportation.”

The breakdown of units are as follows:

• 35 allocated to the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS)
• Six under various government offices

According to the LGU, the turnover of units made Valenzuela the first city in the Philippines to deploy the largest number of electric vehicles for police operations.

The LGU noted that with an allotted budget of P75.768 million through the assistance of Senator Win Gatchalian’s Office, the initial fleet of units were eyed to equip the city’s police force and other government offices “with reliable and cost-efficient mobility units and ensure police operations and efficient delivery of public service.”

Here are some details about the BYD Dolphin.

Standard features

The BYD Dolphin measures:

Overall dimensions (length, width, height; in millimeters [mm>)	4,125 x 1,770 x 1,570
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,700
Ground clearance (in mm)	120
Turning radius (in mm)	5.25
Payload capacity (in liters)	1,310
Seating capacity	Five

Powering the hatchback is its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor in front-wheel-drive configuration that has the capacity to dish out:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	95
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	180

The electric motor lets the car accelerate 0-50 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds.

A 44.9 kilowatt-hour battery is mated to the mill that gives the vehicle the capability to cover 405 kilometers (when fully charged; based on New European Driving Cycle standards).

Guaranteeing the BYD Dolphins stopping power are disc brakes behind the 16-inch alloy wheels while the assuring vehicle stability is its suspension system made up of MacPherson Struts at the front and torsion beam for the rear.

Among the technologies available in the BYD Dolphin are:

• Anti-theft equipment
• Regenerative braking
• Electronic stability program

As posted on the company website, the BYD Dolphin retails for P1.398 million.

Charging station opening

Aside from the EV fleet, Valenzuela will have a network of government and public charging stations starting with the one at the ALERT Center.

Per the city government, there will also be charging facilities along North Luzon Expressway, MacArthur Highway, and Mindanao Avenue — adding that 13 city-owned EV charging stations will soon be established at the Valenzuela City Hall and nearby several 3S Centers as well as five new ACMobility EV Charging Stations.

“Electric vehicles offer a cleaner alternative. This will also complement our City Ordinance No. 525, Series of 2018, aptly titled the “Environment Code of Valenzuela City,” which serves as a guiding framework for our environmental efforts. By adopting EVs, we set an example for industries, proving that “progress and sustainability are not mutually exclusive” but, in fact, intertwined, while still providing the same quality service to our constituents,” Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian said.

Also present during the ceremony were BYD Cars Philippines Managing Director Bob Palanca, PNP Chief General Rommel Marbil, National Capital Region Police Director Major General Anthony Aberin, Northern Police District Director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, VCPS Chief of Police Colonel Nixon Cayaban, and other city officials.

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