Mober CEO Dennis Ng
Mober, a green logistics company in the Philippines, recently secured US$6 million in funding through a combination of equity and convertible notes. This funding round was led by Singapore VC firm Clime Capital and will be used to acquire 238 electric vehicle (EV) units by 2025 and establish a new charging yard in Pasay City.
The company is also focusing on improving its technological capabilities by developing a Battery Management System (BMS) to enhance the efficiency and longevity of its EVs. In this interview, Mober CEO Dennis Ng discusses the company’s expansion plans and its approach to workforce diversity.
Edited excerpts:
Mober has received a US$6 million investment from Clime Capital. How will this funding enhance your operations, and what are your immediate priorities for utilizing this capital?
The immediate priorities for utilizing the US$6 million investment include acquiring more EVs and setting up new charging yards with 16 DC fast chargers. This will significantly improve operational capacity and efficiency, enabling better customer service and market expansion.
In addition to funding, Clime Capital will support us in achieving our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives, making Mober a sustainable company. With the VC firm’s assistance, we are working with consultants to establish an ESG framework, enhancing our credibility and aligning our operations with global sustainability standards.
Mober is planning to grow its EV fleet to 238 units. What challenges do you anticipate in scaling up your fleet, and how do you plan to address them?
The main challenge in scaling up our fleet is securing bank financing, as Philippine banks are still adjusting to the EV logistics industry. We are engaging with top banks to educate them about the benefits and feasibility of EV logistics, aiming to secure the necessary financing to support our expansion plans.
You mentioned developing a new 3,000 sqm charging facility by early 2025. Can you provide more details on this facility, including its location, capacity, and impact on your operations?
The new charging facility, located on Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City, will feature 16 DC fast chargers, a Green Delivery Specialist lounge, and a control tower. This facility’s proximity to IKEA will improve customer service efficiency, facilitate the implementation of the GDS program, and provide amenities for our drivers.
Mober is enhancing its technological capabilities with a Battery Management System (BMS). How will this system improve your EV efficiency and lifespan, and what advancements do you expect from this technology?
The BMS allows us to monitor battery performance and predict potential issues, enabling proactive maintenance to ensure optimal EV performance and longevity. Additionally, real-time monitoring through our control tower enhances dispatching efficiency and operational reliability.
Mober will deploy pocket charging points across Luzon to support long-haul operations. How do you plan to implement this infrastructure and ensure reliability for your fleet?
We plan to install DC fast chargers every 150 kilometers in Bicol, strategically placed at stopover locations for driver rest. By providing reliable access to charging infrastructure, we support our fleet’s long-haul operations effectively.
Mober partners directly with OEMs to tailor EVs to specific operational requirements. Can you elaborate on these partnerships and how customization enhances service delivery?
We work closely with OEMs to customize EVs according to our operational needs, optimizing performance and cost-effectiveness. By tailoring vehicles to our delivery requirements, we ensure high-quality service delivery and operational efficiency.
Mober is committed to workforce diversity, including training female drivers and assemblers. How are these initiatives progressing, and what impact do you anticipate on company culture and performance?
We have started training female drivers and assemblers, aiming to promote diversity within our workforce and enhance our company culture. These initiatives bring in diverse perspectives and skills, enriching our performance and showcasing our commitment to inclusion and equality.
Your GDSes are a unique aspect of your service. How do you recruit and train these specialists, and what role do they play in upholding Mober’s service standards and sustainability?
We recruit GDS specialists through a referral system and job fairs, providing paid training to assess their driving skills. GDS specialists are crucial in ensuring superior customer service and upholding our commitment to high service standards and sustainability.
How does Mober plan to scale its operations sustainably, and what long-term impacts do you foresee on the Philippines’ logistics industry and environmental footprint?
Mober aims to expand sustainably by designing charging stations to accommodate future EV trucks and supporting small transport companies in transitioning to EVs. This initiative will not only aid in industry growth but also significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the logistics sector in the Philippines.
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