The Mober team
Last week, electric vehicle (EV) logistics startup Mober launched its first charging station in Pasay City, the Philippines. According to the company, this 800-square-meter facility is equipped with the latest OCPP 7kw (kilowatt) chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T standards and guarantees brisk charging sessions. Mober invested P2 million (US$35,000) in this charging station.
The company now has grant plans to expand its solutions
In this interview, Mober Co-Founder and CEO Dennis Ng shares about future plans, sustainability, funding, opportunities, and challenges in the Philippines.
Could you elaborate on the features and capabilities of Mober’s EV charging hub in Pasay City?
With an 800 sq. meter area, the charging yard is spacious enough to accommodate many vehicles simultaneously.
While the hub currently draws power from the grid with a carbon footprint of approximately 0.5 kg, there’s a plan to transition to renewable energy sources once a minimum kilowatt threshold is reached. This showcases Mober’s commitment to further reducing its carbon footprint shortly.
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Mober is making tangible efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the logistics and delivery sector by utilising EVs and planning a shift towards renewable energy sources.
Mober also has formed partnerships with retail giants like IKEA, Nestle, Maersk and Nespresso. How has this impacted your business?
Mober’s partnerships with retail behemoths such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines, Maersk, and Nespresso have significantly bolstered its standing in the logistics sector.
The Mober-IKEA partnership was initiated in 2021. IKEA, known globally for its flat-pack furniture and home accessories, needed a reliable delivery service for its customers in the Philippines. Mober stepped in with a unique proposition: introducing Electric Vehicles (EVs) as part of their delivery fleet. With the partnership, Mober started with two EVs dedicated to IKEA Philippines deliveries, signalling its commitment to sustainable business practices.
These strategic collaborations have not only facilitated Mober’s business growth but also solidified its commitment to eco-friendly practices. With the “ZERO Emission, ZERO Capex” campaign, Mober is not just making a business statement but is also championing a sustainable shift in the logistics landscape of the Philippines.
Sustainability is a significant focus for Mober. Could you outline the company’s sustainability initiatives and how they are integrated into your day-to-day operations?
Mober has firmly positioned sustainability at the heart of its operations, with initiatives that stretch beyond just environmental concerns to encompass social and economic dimensions. Notably, our commitment to green logistics is exemplified by its fleet of electric vehicles, aiming to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
However, our sustainable approach doesn’t end there. We champion gender equality, evidenced by a more inclusive workplace with initiatives to train female drivers and assemblers.
Furthermore, Mober promotes waste reduction through internal policies that discourage plastic use, emphasise recycling, and advocate for a circular economy model.
Mober’s dedication to sustainability is deeply reflected in how it perceives and labels its workforce. A significant testament to this commitment is the rebranding of their drivers’ roles.
Instead of merely being termed “drivers,” they are designated as “Green Delivery Specialists” (GDS). This title transformation isn’t just semantic; it underscores the importance of their roles in the larger green logistics mission.
By adopting the GDS title, Mober emphasises that these specialists aren’t just delivering goods; they are ambassadors of eco-friendly and sustainable transportation, actively participating in Mober’s vision to reduce the environmental impact of logistics in Southeast Asia.
What are your plans for expanding its electric vans and trucks fleet, and how does this contribute to achieving your goal of becoming the leading green logistics delivery provider?
Mober’s strategic investments in expanding its electric vehicle fleet underscore a clear vision for its future in the logistics industry. The recent order of four electric three-wheelers showcases an interest in versatile, nimble vehicles, ideal for navigating city streets and making quicker, smaller deliveries.
The upcoming acquisition of three tractor-head EVs early next year indicates a commitment to larger-scale transportation suitable for bulk deliveries and long-haul routes.
These expansions serve dual purposes. Firstly, they directly contribute to Mober’s mission of promoting green logistics. Each electric vehicle added to the fleet reduces the company’s carbon footprint, making a tangible impact on environmental conservation.
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As these EVs replace traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, the reduction in emissions will be significant, solidifying Mober’s reputation as a sustainable delivery provider.
Secondly, by increasing the fleet size and diversifying the types of vehicles available, Mober can cater to a broader range of client needs. Whether small-scale deliveries in urban settings using three-wheelers or large consignments using tractor-head EVs, Mober is positioning itself to offer comprehensive logistical solutions. This adaptability is crucial for attracting and retaining clients, especially in a competitive market.
As the company continues to grow and evolve, what are the most significant challenges and opportunities in the delivery service industry, especially in sustainability and green practices?
Navigating the evolving landscape of the delivery service industry, Mober faces distinct challenges, particularly in promoting green logistics in the Philippines. A significant hurdle is altering the perception regarding the cost dynamics of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).
While EVs offer long-term operational savings, their higher initial acquisition cost can be off-putting for potential adopters. This challenge is compounded by the lack of commercial backing for EVs in the country; private banks currently hesitate to finance commercial EVs, largely due to unfamiliarity with the technology.
However, these challenges are counterbalanced by promising opportunities. Mober’s “Zero Emission, Zero Capex” programme addresses the cost dilemma, offering an enticing proposition that makes the switch to green logistics financially attractive, even in the face of the high initial costs of EVs. The global trend toward sustainability means there’s a growing demand for environmentally-friendly services, and Mober, with its green logistics services, is well-positioned to cater to this demand.
Who is funding the company now? Can you share the names of your investors? Do you have plans to raise funding in the future?
Mober secured US$2 million in April and is on the brink of closing another round of funding in the US$3-5 million range. The specific names of the investors have not been disclosed yet, but an official announcement will be made once everything is finalised.
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