Nissan PH teams up with First Gen to bolster 'Blue Switch' program

Nissan Philippines has announced its partnership with First Gen Corporation as part of its efforts to bolster the Blue Switch initiative.

The Japanese automaker’s local distributor said that the project with the local renewable energy firm is one of the initial steps under Blue Switch that will serve as an example of how future collaborations will be approached by the former.

Nissan’s Blue Switch program, which was launched January 2022, promotes the use of electric vehicle technologies to address social concerns.

"The Blue Switch initiative allows Nissan to establish partnerships with various stakeholders, so we can work together to power mobility and beyond for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world," Nissan Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima explained.

The team-up between Nissan Philippines and First Gen covers the latter’s acquisition of a Nissan Leaf as part of its efforts to launch the GreenWheels Project — an integrated EV pilot program whose novel charging station gets its supply of electricity from a clean energy source. The Nissan Leaf will serve as the project's test vehicle.

Nissan Philippines shared that First Gen developed a fast EV charging station under the GreenWheels Project.

Placed inside the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas, the solar-powered charging station can accommodate multiple electric cars and has the capability to charge batteries up to 80 percent in as fast as 40 minutes — just a fraction compared to the 18-hour period when using a regular home charger. 

Further, the car company is eyeing to further support the GreenWheels project and opens itself for more ways to collaborate with First Gen once the pilot-testing proves to be a viable model on reducing tailpipe emissions.

"The recent launch of our Blue Switch global initiative in the Philippines proves our commitment to a more sustainable and resilient society. We welcome First Gen as they take their first steps to achieve carbon neutrality with their GreenWheels Project and we look forward to a fruitful partnership with them under the Blue Switch program," Najima said.

Photos from Nissan Philippines

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