Only a few days since the passage of the Electric Vehicle Act into law, the public transport sector has just been given a taste of electric goodness. Enter the first PH-made E-Jeepney from the DOST and EVAP (Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines).
This is actually impressive news for everyone, both private and public vehicle users alike.
Photo: DOST PCIEERD Facebook Page
E-Jeepney launched
On May 2, 2022, the 23-seater (yes, 23) electric-powered jeepneys were shown off to the public by way of a demo run in Alabang, Muntinlupa. The e-jeepneys were made by engineers of EVAP while the research, development, and prototyping were provided by the DOST for PHP 4.9 million. According to the agency’s executive director Enrico Paringit, ToJo Motors has already committed to adopt the technology and manufacture the new electric-powered jeepneys.
“We urge our friends from the industry to work together in this journey towards energizing the transport sector for the successful adoption of e-vehicles,” Fortunato de la Pena, DOST Secretary said in his speech before the demo run.
“We call on our partners in government and in the private sector to come up with creative support mechanisms, like financing and leasing, so that manufacturing of the vehicle or its components could be more attractive for investors, and will eventually benefit the operators and drivers and the riding public,” de la Peña said in his speech
According to the agency secretary, the Department stands firm on coming out with environmentally-friendly transportation solutions, initiatives, and alternatives. These new jeepneys feature low-carbon electric vehicle technology and production standards. Electric Vehicle Association conducted proper studies to develop battery charging and swapping systems using lithium-ion cells. They have also come up with a workable operations template involving fleet operations and the collection of daily loan amortization.
Photo: DOST PCIEERD Facebook Page
“We believe that electrifying our country’s transportation sector is one of the ways we can free us from the skyrocketing prices of fossil fuel and protect our environment at the same time,” de la Pena later added.
Such projects will not be possible without the Filipino team who supplied the parts required and assembled the e-jeepneys we see here. And it is with this collaboration and cooperation, that we can all realize carbon-free transportation.
What’s the next move of the government and automobile sectors? Let’s see if they’ll pick up on this worthwhile project.
