Wheels of Change: An Economic Analysis of the DOE e-trike project in the City of Carmona, Cavite

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Aaron T. Castillo

Committee Member

Niño Alejandro Q. Manalo, Gideon P. Carnaje, Ma. Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This study assesses the economic viability of integrating electric tricycles (e-trikes) into the local transportation system of the City of Carmona, Cavite, under the Department of Energy’s sustainable transport initiative. Motivated by rising carbon emissions, fuel dependency, and urban pollution, the project aims to replace traditional euro-2 tricycles with electric alternatives. The research employs a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) framework to evaluate the tangible and intangible benefits and costs of e-trikes over a 10-year period, focusing on income, salvage value, maintenance and operational expenses, depreciation, investment cost, and environmental impacts—particularly carbon emission savings. Data were collected through surveys of 424 tricycle drivers and supplemented by municipal and industry records. The study found that while e-trikes offer long-term benefits such as lower operating and maintenance costs and reduced carbon emissions, their economic viability is hindered by high upfront investment, limited charging infrastructure, lack of local parts supplier, and battery-related concerns. Economic indicators revealed a negative Net Present Value (NPV) of ₱17,475,087.91 million and a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 0.91, implying that the project is not economically viable under current conditions. Despite this, environmental benefits and public health improvements support the continued exploration of e-trikes as a sustainable urban transport solution. The study is geographically limited to Carmona and may not be generalizable to other regions. Future research is recommended to explore the performance of e-trike initiatives in varying urban contexts, incorporate full life-cycle costs, assess renewable energy integration for charging infrastructure, and evaluate broader social impacts to better guide policy and investment decisions.

Language

English

LC Subject

Transportation, Electronics in transportation, Transportation—Philippines

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 L69

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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