{
  "id": 5363399,
  "title": "Top Line taps Japan firm for EV charging rollout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/top-line-taps-japan-firm-for-ev-charging-rollout",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/09/04/2553805/top-line-taps-japan-firm-ev-charging-rollout"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Top Line Business Development Corp. is expanding its reach into the electric vehicle (EV) market by partnering with Japan's Jigowatts Inc. for a charging infrastructure rollout, primarily scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, involves Top Line units Light Fuels Corp., Vikingland Corp., and Pier Eighty-Eight Ventures Inc. This strategic alliance intends to fortify Top Line's existing mobility services, such as its smart port Pier 88 and Bay Mall in Liloan, Cebu. The exact locations for the EV charging hubs are still under consideration. By providing EV charging solutions, Top Line aims to cater to both gas-powered cars and electric vehicles, capitalizing on the country's transition to greener mobility. Top Line Chairman, President, and CEO Eugene Erik Lim emphasized the significance of accessible charging infrastructure in supporting electric vehicle adoption. Jigowatts CEO Tomoki Shibata highlighted the company's intention to leverage its expertise to assist Top Line in deploying the charging network. Presently, Top Line operates 23 branded Light Fuels service stations in the Visayas, with plans to rebrand 27 additional sites. The oil firm also offers fully automated motor wash systems that can clean motorcycles in approximately three minutes. Top Line's Senior Vice President and COO, Brigitte Carmel Lim, stated that integrating EV charging capabilities into Top Line's expanding network not only future-proves Light Fuels' retail platform but also opens up new avenues for revenue generation.",
  "summary": "Top Line Business Development Corp. is stepping up its push to penetrate the electric vehicle (EV) market through a planned rollout of charging infrastructure with Japan’s Jigowatts Inc.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNA - Business",
        "title": "Brazil's Embraer gets firm order for eight additional E190-E2 jets from Japan's ANA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/brazils-embraer-gets-firm-order-for-eight-additional-e190-e2-jets",
        "published": "2026-09-03T22:55:51.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Brazil’s Embraer gets firm order for eight additional E190-E2 jets from Japan’s ANA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/brazils-embraer-gets-firm-order-for-eight-additional-e190-e2-jets-5436375",
        "published": "2026-09-03T23:02:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}