First Filipino made amphibious tricycle, “The Salamander” is an

amphibious tricycle that can run both land and on water.

This Salamander amphibious tricycle is an amphibious type

tricycle that can sail through Manila’s flooded streets, cross
rivers and lakes, and can even go island-hopping.

salamander
The Salamander has two power-plant choices, powered by 5-
kilowatt electric motor that runs on electricity and 250 cc.
internal combustion type gasoline engine.
 H20
Technologies Inc.
It was designed by a famous car designer named Atoy Llave who
was in charge of the “Atoy Bodykits” and is well know among car
lovers.

One main reason Atoy build the Salamander is to “show the world
that the Filipino can”. And hoping the mentally of the Filipino
people will change that “it’s just a Philippine made, there’s one
better abroad”. And one more obstacle he has to face is the lack
of funding. This is the biggest and the oldest problem of any
brilliant Filipino creators.
In a flood prone country like the Philippines, a vehicle that can conquer both
land and water is a must! This is what Atoy Llave had in mind when he and his
team H2O Technologies developed the amphibious tricycle called “Salamander”
or “H2O Salamander”.

Atoy Llave is well-known among Filipino car lover for his car customization
business. And as a return for his successful business, he created an amphibious
trike that will help people.

He said “I’ve already achieved so much in the car business. Now, I want
to leave behind a legacy. I want to produce something that will help
people.”
One main reason Atoy build the Salamander is to “show the world that the
Filipino can” and hoping the mentally of the Filipino people will change that “it’s
just a Philippine made, there’s one better abroad”. But there’s one more
obstacle he has to face, it’s the lack of funding. This is the biggest and the
oldest problem of any brilliant Filipino creators.
Atoy have a big hope with his new creation, having two working
prototype and by spreading the word out to the world, an investor might
give a call.
The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and
one internal-combustion…
Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water)
The Salamander powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc
gasoline motor.
MANILA, Philippines – Most Filipinos have ridden a tricycle, but none
quite like the Salamander. The Salamander is the tricycle reimagined.
It can transform from traveling on land to traveling in water in a matter
of seconds, which would allow it to serve as a rescue vehicle in the
event of flooding.

The Salamander is the brainchild of Victor Llave and his team at H2O
Technologies, an innovation and technology company. Designed over a
period of more than 24 months, the Salamander, even in its earliest
stages, is clearly a testament to the ingenuity of Filipino engineering.

In addition to making waves across the nation when news of it broke

earlier this year, the Salamander has gotten attention from places as
far flung as Nigeria
Atoy Llave, the chief designer of H2O Technologies, Incorporated, an
innovation and technology company, has reimagined the tricycle as we
know it by making it amphibious.

The Salamander, as this tricycle has been named, was designed over
24 months of research and development as a solution to flood-prone
areas, particularly Navotas. They were challenged to do so by the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) through Sohail Hasne, its principal
energy specialist.

From this form, Salamander can quickly become disaster-ready.

Flexible

AMPHIBIOUS. The advantage of the Salamander as a rescue vehicle is that it still

functions as a normal tricycle, says its chief designer, Atoy Llave.

Llave said the vehicle is also built with a patent pending

compartmentalized hull to enable the vehicle to float on water. “Once
flooding arises, with a switch of a lever, the mud type, industrial grade
propeller can travel even in flood waters,” Llave said.

The steering wheel is used for both land and water. Llave said that the
built-in rudder enables the Salamander to maneuver even in water.
While these features are impressive, the proprietary design made
sourcing the parts difficult – the biggest challenge of Salamander’s
development.

That Salamander is flexible enough to serve two different purposes –

daily transport and emergency rescue – makes it cost-effective.
Barangays would not have to shell out money for rescue vehicles
potentially used only a few days out of the year.

Still, Llave recommended limiting its daily use, so it is in prime

condition come flooding season.

Market-ready

DUAL-PURPOSE. Salamander is flexible enough to serve two different purposes –

daily transport and emergency rescue – makes it cost-effective.
A few years ago, the idea of an amphibious tricycle being used in the
Philippines, much less by local government units, would have been
laughed at. But transportation is one of the industries in the country
on the frontline of technological disruption.

That the government is willing to work with these tech companies now
bodes well for H2O Technologies and its Salamander.

But what will it take to see the Salamander be widely available on the
commercial market?

Cost, of course, is the most important factor. Llave said that the H2O
Technologies team is trying to find the best price possible for their
market. To them, this comes down to sourcing the most appropriate
parts while still maintaining the delicate balance between quality and
cost.

With all the buzz that Salamander has received, some Filipinos will
want to use it as a leisure vehicle.

For these customers, the H2O Technologies team has created a version
of Salamander for private use that would cost about P280,000
($6,196.88).

The Salamander, with higher specs and added features that can be
used as a national government vehicle and rescue vehicle, would
range from P300,000 ($6,634.36) and P495,000 ($10,929.47).

Right partnership can also help make Salamander widely available,

Llave said.
RIGHT PARTNER. An investor or strategic partner could help mass produce and
manufacture Salamander for the Philippine market, says Atoy Llave.

“At this time, our focus is really on making these vehicles available to
flood prone barangays throughout the country by talking with potential
strategic investors,” he said.

An investor or strategic partner could help mass produce and

manufacture Salamander for the Philippine market. While the H20
Technologies team is still in talks with potential investors and
partners, Llave is realistic about when the Salamander can hit the
commercial market even with their help.

“Eventually, our team will need to then discuss what the potential may
be to make these vehicles generally available, but we do not see this
happening for another 12 to 18 months,” he said.
 Salamander aqua trike:
Proudly Pinoy made
posted January 29, 2015 at 08:30 pm by Dino Ray V. Directo III






Necessity is the mother of invention and a body kit maker may have found the answer
to one of the country’s pressing needs. Perennial floodings in Metro Manila and in some
provinces have spurred the creation of an amphibious vehicle.

Salamander designer Victor Llave does a hot lap

with his creation.

Designed by the country’s King of Bodykits Victor “Atoy” Llave with a group of
enterprising youngsters whose purpose is to find a solution to the country’s flood
problem, H20 Technologies recently unveiled the first ever Philippine made amphibious
tricycle.
Branded as the Salamander, this amphibious vehicle took five years to develop and
revolved around the concept of a five-seater motorized tricycle with a sturdy hull and
fiber glass body. It is powered by a 250cc motorcycle engine, and can be controlled by a
handlebar or a stick when the Salamander is running on water. The design team is also
led by the company’s Chief Engineer, Lamberto Armada who also revealed that they
have created two models that runs with either a mechanical or an electric motor.
“Electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support these vehicles are still in its
early stages. Years from now there will be charging stations situated throughout the
urban areas but right now, people will have to resort to traditional methods instead.
That’s why we created the fuel based version as well to ensure that we were able to
bring our innovation to the people who need it today.” Armada went on further to say
“the Salamander will help us to overcome the challenges we have today during rainy
season with flooding; but also be ready as the market shifts to more sustainable and
eco-friendly electric vehicles in the near future.”

In a country where over half of the 42,000 Barangays are prone to flooding, the
Salamander would fit well into the Philippines landscape requirements. “This is why we
created the Salamander” said David Ong – Chairman of the Board for H2O
Technologies.

Patented by H2O technologies, the Salamander can be functions like a normal tricycle
on land, and transforms into an amphibious vehicle once operated in a watery
environment. It can reach speeds of up to 80kph on land, and six knots in water with a
full compliment of six people including the driver. Deriving knowledge from his family’s
boat manufacturing business, one of H2O’s founding member/CEO Dominic Chung
derived his expertise from boat building and coordinated with Atoy regarding the
tricycle’s unique body structure. “The Salamander was designed to withstand a certain
degree of impact or damage and can still maintain its buoyancy and stability even rough
seas,” explains Chung.
The Salamander is expected to cost etween P295,000 and P495,000. The H2O group
is currently in talks with private organizations which have expressed interest in funding
the mass production of the Salamander. “Our target date for actual manufacturing is this
year. I just hope that the government sees the potential of this aqua tricycle so we can
provide this technology to the people in need,” says Chung.
If you're into car customization, the name Atoy Llave will certainly ring a bell. The man behind A-
Toy Bodykits and the company's aftermarket exterior designs is quite popular among Filipino car
lovers. The curious thing you see here--the Salamander amphibious trike--is Llave's latest
creation. He made this in partnership with a new company called H2O Technologies, developing
it in particular with the firm's technical head, Lamberto Armada.

SALAMANDER trikes
Because it is amphibious, the Salamander can travel both on land and in water. It stemmed from
Llave's desire to do something really useful for the benefit of his countrymen. That and his wish
to put the Philippines on the global automotive map.

"I want to show the world that the Filipino can," Llave told TopGear.com.ph.

As you read this, Llave and his partners are launching the thing somewhere in Mandaluyong
(near our office, actually). It's a big night for the group. They have been toiling day and night in
order to seamlessly roll out the Salamander before the critical eyes of the motoring press.

Last month, Llave gave us exclusive access to the Salamander. It was for a full-length magazine
story that will appear in our February issue. Writer Niky Tamayo was able to test it for himself,
and you will read his initial impressions in our next issue.

The Salamander has two powerplant choices: one electric and one internal-combustion.
Boasting a six-person seating capacity (four in water), the amphibious tricycle is powered by
either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc gasoline motor. We assume these are the target specs
for the production version, because the provisional spec sheet still mentions a 3kW electric
engine and a 200cc motor. (Watch the video at the bottom.)

"I've already achieved so much in the car business," Llave shared. "Now, I want to leave behind
a legacy. I want to produce something that will help people."
 SALAMANDER in water
Llave, of course, is referring to our country being flood-prone. Imagine having an amphibious
vehicle like this when the water rises. The Salamander will also be practical as a shuttle vehicle
in between small islands all around the archipelago.

The only hurdle? As with any brilliant Filipino idea, there is currently a lack of funding, which
Llave hopes to get as soon as word spreads about his newest brainchild. We hope a wealthy
businessman with patriotic and philanthropic intentions is reading this. The Salamander is
waiting to be developed, polished and marketed to the world.
This is the kind of transportation that we need in the Philippines especially in flood-
prone areas. Meet the H20 Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that is 100%
Filipino-made.
image: https://i0.wp.com/www.yugatech.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/01/h2o-salamander_3.jpg?zoom=1.25&w=720

The H20 Salamander is technically a tricycle but it can travel not just on land but on
water as well. It can carry up to 6 passengers on land – 1 driver + 5 passengers, and up
to 4 passengers on water – 1 driver + 3 passengers.
image: https://i1.wp.com/www.yugatech.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/01/h2o-salamander_1.jpg?zoom=1.25&w=720
image: https://i0.wp.com/www.yugatech.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/01/h2o-salamander_4.jpg?zoom=1.25&w=720
It is made of fiberglass reinforced material with modular steel framing support, and has
a stable and buoyant hull design with built-in Marine-grade industrial propeller. It even
has a Solar Mobile USB charging capability with 6 USB ports for charging your mobile
devices.

image: https://i2.wp.com/www.yugatech.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/01/h2o-salamander_2.jpg?resize=480%2C339
The Salamander comes in two engine variants – full electric 5KW engine, and an
internal combustion 250cc engine.
The Salamander, which is also dubbed as the amphibious tricycle, is a product of H20
Technologies. Atoy Llave and Lamberto Armada discussed and had a quick demo on the
video what the vehicle can do. Armada said, the amphibious tricycle can “travel land to
water, you just need to switch a lever.”

The Salamander is available in two variants – an electric with 5kW engine and an inter-
combustion 250cc engine.

The vehicle is double hull for safety purposes. This means that in case it encounters an
accident on water and water comes in, there is a pump that will pump out the water.
Additionally, it is compartmentalized, so that it won’t easily sink.

According to Llave, they created the Salamander to show the world that Pinoys can make
this kind of innovation. He said, “Gusto mong ipakita na kaya nating mga Pilipino. Kasi
sometimes, every time kapag sinabi mong gawang Pinoy, ay wala yan. Or something like, ah
gawang Pinoy, may mas maganda dyan sa abroad.”

(Rough translation: (We) want to show that we can do it as Filipinos. Because sometimes,
every time you say it is Pinoy-made, it’s just nothing. Or something like, ah Pinoy-made,
there’s something abroad similar to that, which is better.)

According to Top Gear Philippines’ interview with H20 Technologies, Llave mentioned that
the Salamander is still a concept for now so there is still no pricing for it. Llave added that
they intend to keep the price around PhP 250,000 to PhP 280,000 for the private sector.

Although the Salamander will soon be rolled out, H20 Technologies aim to make it available
to local government units first since it can be used for rescue operations when there is
flooding.
A Filipino-made amphibious tricycle was introduced to the market last week in answer to the
needs of thousands Filipino residents living in perennially flooded areas as well as low-lying
communities near bodies of water. The floating trike, fittingly called the “Salamander” was
launched by H2O Technologies recently at the Capitol Commons Center in Pasig City.

The Salamander, which is the brainchild of Filipino custom car ‘Sifu’ or master, Atoy Llave of
A-Toy Body Kits, came into fruition after he shared his ideas with the well-known boat maker
Dominic Chung. After the exchange of ideas, a partnership between Llave and Chung was
formed and H2O Technologies was formed.

Leading the engineering team at H2O Technologies is Lamberto Armada who fused the ideas and
knowhow of both Llave and Chung–creating the Salamander.

The Salamander is an amphibious tricycle which can carry six passengers, including the driver,
that can drive over land and water, directly.

The tricycle is built on a compartmentalized, double-hull, fiberglass body that would not sink
even if a section sustains damage.

Two prototypes were introduced during the launch, with one being powered by a 250cc gasoline-
fed engine, while the other, a five kilowatt electric motor. On the road, the gas-powered model
transmits its power to the pavement via the two rear wheels. When on water, the Salamander is
propelled by a three-bladed propeller that is directly connected to the engine. Propulsion for the
electric variant is done also through its rear wheels, when on land, and through an impeller, when
in water. Steering is done via the front wheels, or through the rudder and the impeller located at
the rear.

According to Llave, the cost of the Salamaders would be between PhP 200,000 to PhP230,000
each. He however added that the cost will come down once they find a financier to mass produce
the ingenious vehicles.
 Testing the waters

The Salamander will come in electric and gas versions. (motioncars.inquirer.net)

One would think that this vehicle is the stuff only of spy movies, but last month, H2O
Technologies Inc. unveiled to the media its first-ever amphibious tricycle called the
Salamander at the Capitol Commons Center in Pasig.
H2O unveiled two prototypes: One runs on a 5-kilowatt electric engine and the other
operates on a 250-cc internal combustion engine.
It took the company five years to develop this final and fully-operational prototype.
“With an average of 20 typhoons and perennial monsoon rains that expose over half
of the country’s 42,000 barangays to the dangers of flooding, the Salamander would
be the ideal vehicle for commuters as well as local government use. This is why we
created the Salamander,” said David Ong, chair of the board for H2O Technologies.
He went on further to say that “when you look at what the country needs in order to
begin resuscitating and rebuilding the drainage and infrastructure, it will take a lot of
money and a considerable amount of time. We know it will happen eventually, but in
the meantime, the country needs a way to continue operating. That’s why the
Salamander provides the perfect alternative which works today but will also work in
the future when the infrastructure issues have been resolved.”
The Salamander will carry a total of five passengers plus one driver both on land and
in water.
With its nimble size and high passenger payload capacity, it is the perfect vehicle to
navigate around the inner streets of small towns and barangays.
The Salamander uses a patented solution that allows the vehicle to use the same
engine that seamlessly switches from land to water travel as required by the driver. On
land, it can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, and in water, up to 6 knots
(11 kph) on a full load.
As a rescue vehicle or a waterway commute, its hull has been designed to withstand
considerable amount of damage and still maintain buoyancy and stability.
Custom car guru and H20’s creative talent Atoy Llave said that “as a member of the
Board and cofounder of H2O Technologies, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to
contribute to the design of this great landmark in Filipino innovation. So our team
worked hard to ensure that we delivered some great style without compromising on
structural requirements.”
Llave’s A-Toy Customs is a byword in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is
known for very elaborate custom vehicle projects seen in major car shows. It is also
known for designing custom vans and food trucks for celebrities and major companies
and franchise chains.

The Salamander will be able to carry five passengers both on land and in water.
(motioncars.inquirer.net)
“[E]lectric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support these vehicles are still in
their early stages. Years from now, there will be charging stations situated throughout
the urban areas, but right now, people will have to resort to other methods instead.
That’s why we created the fuel-based version as well to ensure that we are able to
bring our innovation to the people who need it today,” said company’s chief engineer
Lamberto Armada
Its founder and managing director Dominic Chung, who was equally excited about the
launch, said, “The team we have is an all-Filipino team and our R&D (research and
development) facility is based in an undisclosed location in Metro Manila, and we’re
taking the simplest of resources—water—and doing things with it that will help our
country move forward.”
As of this writing, there was no final pricing yet for the two versions of the
Salamander, but it was estimated to be in the range between P200,000 and P500,000,
depending on the final specifications.
First Filipino made amphibious tricycle, “The Salamander” is an amphibious tricycle that
can run both land and on water. This Salamander amphibious tricycle is an amphibious
type tricycle that can sail through Manila’s flooded streets, cross rivers and lakes, and
can even go island-hopping. It was designed by a famous car designer named Atoy
Llave who was in charge of the “Atoy Bodykits” and is well know among car lovers.
Amphibious three-wheeler doubles as boat
when Manila floods
APRIL 14, 2015

The Salamander, a combination boat/tricycle, was designed by a Filipino startup to help motorists navigate
flooded roads in Manila. (H2O Salamander)

Battered by cyclones and typhoons, metro Manila is prone to floods that leave
motorists instantly stranded and adrift. Unless they’re in a Salamander, the
world’s first amphibious tricycle.

Ben Coxworth reports for Gizmag that Filipino

startup H2O Technologies developed this cross between a three-wheeler and
boat to keep traffic moving throughout the Philippines during storms.

There are two versions: a gas model that also can run on hydrogen (if it
becomes available) and an electric, battery-powered option. In “boat mode,”
propulsion comes from a propeller mounted on the rear that is powered by the
engine. “Simply pulling a lever lets the driver switch between modes,” the
article says.

The Salamander seats six passengers, including the driver, when used as a car,
and four when doubling as a boat. At US$6,600 to US$11,100, it is more
economical than a new car and more versatile than a motorbike. H2O has
launched a Kickstarter campaign for the tricycle, manufactured in the
Philippines.
How the ‘Salamander’ was born
0

BY THE MANILA TIMES ON AUGUST 10, 2015FAST TIMES

Twitter

Victor “Atoy” Lim Llave shows the plush interior of one of the vans he
customized.

WHEN Typhoon Ondoy was flooding many parts of Metro Manila and its surrounding areas
in September 2009, the Philippine Army approached Victor “Atoy” Lim Llave, president of
Omaka Inc., to repair their fiberglass boats that would be used in search and rescue
operations.

But Llave’s entity doing automotive body kit works, Atoy Customs, could not repair the boats
in one day. Instead, he gave the Philippine Army three fiberglass bubble tops supposedly to
be installed in vans.

“I gave them three bubble tops for [Hyundai] Starex, [Ford] E150 and I think the Foton View
[vans]and they were able to save many lives,” he said.

From that experience, Llave was inspired to build a rescue boat that can be used locally
and show to the world that the Philippines can build world-class products. He even used the
equipment in his facility for molding bubble tops to create his first rescue boats.

Llave’s first two rescue boat designs, however, were rejected by both the National Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG). He decided that if he failed to convince the NDRRMC or the PCG of the viability of
his rescue boat design for the third time, he would drop the whole thing.
In the waters near the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila, elements of the
PCG subjected Llave’s third rescue boat design to a rigorous stability and buoyancy test.

“They stood in front of the boat and did a figure of eight. They wanted to see how stable our
boat was,” he said, adding that his third boat design passed the tests of the PCG and the
NDRRMC.

“With so many selling rescue boats, the NDRRMC and PCG approved ours,” Llave said.

The double-hull structure of Llave’s design made sure his rescue boat was almost unsinkable and
could take on very challenging situations. The certification gained from the PCG and NDRRMC
enabled him to sell his rescue boat to local government units, among others.

But the boat was not the end of the story as Llave was challenged by an official of the Asian
Development Bank to develop what could be the world’s first amphibious tricycle, that he
christened the “Salamander.” He is actually its “Chief Designer.”

Llave said he and his partners in H2O Technologies Inc. have invested “millions of pesos” for
the research and development efforts on the Salamander that can be powered by either an electric
or petrol engine. It can accommodate six passengers including the driver.

Although H20 Technologies can manufacture the Salamander at a rate of 10 units per month, he
said factory production can be undertaken to increase the number of units produced and achieve
economies of scale. The initial price ranges from P295,000 to P495,000 per unit with full
options.

H20 Technologies is seeking investors so a factory can be established to produce large quantities
of the amphibious tricycle.

“We have 26,000 barangays [villages]that are flood-prone,” Llave said.

He added that he wants the Salamander to be known worldwide as a Filipino-made product.

“If you see it [Salamander] in Hong Kong, Italy or elsewhere, we can say that is Philippine-
made,” Llave said.
The Salamander will carry a total of five passengers plus one driver both
on land and in water.

MANILA, Philippines–One would think that this vehicle is the stuff only of
spy movies, but last week, H2O Technologies Inc. unveiled to the media its
first-ever amphibious tricycle called the Salamander at the Capitol
Commons Center in Pasig.

H2O unveiled two prototypes: One runs on an electric motor and the
other operates on a gas motor. It took the company five years to develop
this final and fully-operational prototype.

“With an average of 20 typhoons and perennial monsoon rains that

expose over half of the country’s 42,000 barangays to the dangers of
flooding, the Salamander would be the ideal vehicle for commuters as well
as local government use. This is why we created the Salamander,” said
David Ong, chair of the board for H2O Technologies.
TESTING THE WATERS Salamander units going through a big test in the
rough waters

He went on further to say that “when you look at what the country needs
in order to begin resuscitating and rebuilding the drainage and
infrastructure, it will take a lot of money and a considerable amount of
time. We know it will happen eventually, but in the meantime, the country
needs a way to continue operating. That’s why the Salamander provides
the perfect alternative which works today but will also work in the future
when the infrastructure issues have been resolved.”

“The Salamander will carry a total of five passengers plus one driver both
on land and in water. Therefore, in a barangay which may simply be
waiting for flood waters to subside, the Salamander would be perfect to
allow workers to get back to their normal modes of transportation and
make their way back to work,” he added.

With its nimble size and high passenger payload capacity, it is the perfect
vehicle to navigate around the inner streets of small towns and
barangays.
“The Salamander will help us to overcome the challenges we have today
during rainy season with flooding.”

The Salamander uses a patented solution that allows the vehicle to use
the same engine that seamlessly switches from land to water travel as
required by the driver. On land, it can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers
per hour, and in water, up to 6 knots (11 kph) on a full load.

As a rescue vehicle or a waterway commute, its hull has been designed to

withstand considerable amount of damage and still maintain buoyancy
and stability. Custom car guru and H20’s creative talent Atoy Llave said
that “as a member of the Board and cofounder of H2O Technologies, I
couldn’t pass up the opportunity to contribute to the design of this great
landmark in Filipino innovation. So our team worked hard to ensure that
we delivered some great style without compromising on structural
requirements.”

Llave’s Atoy Customs is a byword in the automotive aftermarket industry,

and is known for very elaborate custom vehicle projects seen in major car
shows. It is also known for designing custom vans and food trucks for
celebrities and major companies and franchise chains.

The driver’s side can still accommodate a passenger.

According to the company’s chief engineer Lamberto Armada: “[E]lectric

vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support these vehicles are still
in their early stages. Years from now, there will be charging stations
situated throughout the urban areas, but right now, people will have to
resort to other methods instead. That’s why we created the fuel-based
version as well to ensure that we are able to bring our innovation to the
people who need it today.”

“The Salamander will help us to overcome the challenges we have today

during rainy season with flooding, but also be ready as the market shifts
to more sustainable and ecofriendly electric vehicles in the near future,”
Armada added.
Its founder and managing director Dominic Chung, who was equally
excited about the launch, said, “The team we have is an all-Filipino team
and our R&D (research and development) facility is based in an
undisclosed location in Metro Manila, and we’re taking the simplest of
resources—water—and doing things with it that will help our country
move forward.”

Cooking up something else

Aside from the Salamander, this innovative company revealed that it is

working on a gas-less “gas cooker” that runs on water. Chung also said
that a number of parties were interested in investing in their company but
that “while we have multiple interested parties wanting to invest, we have
delayed our decision because we want a partner and not just an investor.”

Atoy Llave, custom car guru and H20’s creative talent, presents the
Salamander.
“We are clear on our core competency of controlled innovation and so we
also know that manufacturing en masse is not something we are
equipped for. The launch of the Salamander highlights an exciting time for
the Philippines on many fronts but none more so than that of knowing
that the inventive, creative and innovative Filipino spirit is alive and well,”
he said.

“And it’s great to see that with more ambassadors like H2O Technologies
stepping up and showing that ‘Filipino-made’ can foot it with the best. I’m
certain that the collective future of Filipino innovation and engineering
innovation are in great hands,” he added.

As of this writing, there was no final pricing yet for the two versions of the
Salamander, but it was estimated to be in the range between P200,000
and P500,000, depending on the final specifications.

The public launch of the Salamander is expected to be held at the 2015

Manila International Auto Show on April 9 to 12 at the World Trade Center.
 If there are two things that the Philippines has a lot of, it's motorized trikes and
small flood-prone villages. That's why Filipino startup H2O Technologies has
developed the Salamander. It's a three-wheeler that can be driven on the road
like a normal vehicle most of the time, but that can also take to the water
when floods occur.




There are actually two versions of the vehicle – a gas/hydrogen model, and
one that's fully electric.

The first version, called the HydrOPlus, has a 200-cc engine that runs on
regular gasoline. Should hydrogen be available, however, it also has a fuel
blending system that lets it run on a combination of gas and hydrogen. This
should both cut down on emissions, and give it considerably better mileage.

The electric model is instead driven by a 3,000 W 48-volt motor, that is in turn
powered by four 90-Ah gel-type batteries. There's no word on range or
charging time, or on mileage for the gas version.
A maximum land speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is possible in the HydrOPLus –
the electric is a little slower – with both models managing 6 knots (11 km/h or
7 mph) on the water. Both versions can also carry six passengers on land
(including the driver), and four when in boat mode.

The double-layered hull is constructed of high-density polyethylene, and is

compartmentalized in order to help the vehicle stay afloat and stabilized if
damaged. Propulsion in the water is achieved using a rear-mounted marine-
grade propeller, that's run by the same motor that turns the wheels when on
the road. Simply pulling a lever lets the driver switch between modes.

Although H2O would ultimately like to distribute Salamanders worldwide, the

company is working towards selling them in barangays (villages) for now, and
has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help finance that goal. The estimated
price range is 295,000 to 495,000 Philippine pesos (about US$6,614 to
$11,098).