Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has unveiled plans to produce 500 e-jeepneys monthly, alongside electric bikes and tricycles. The senatorial aspirant believes that electric-powered public utility vehicles are the answer to the current mobility challenges of the country.
Following the launch of e-jeepneys by Singson’s LCSC Group in December 2024, Singson aims to empower the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) through the use of electric PUVs. The group sees the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable mobility solutions is the answer to transform the nation’s public transport system.
“We plan to produce an initial 500 units of e-jeepneys per month, along with about 2,000 e-bikes, and 1,000 e-tricycles. We will ramp up production in the coming months,” Singson shared.
Singson, listed as No. 58 on the Senate ballot, disclosed that the e-jeepneys will cost P1.2 million each, and the costs for e-bikes and e-tricycles are still being finalized.
To support his advocacy of ramping up the PUVMP, one of Singson’s platform as a senatoriable is to offer soft loans for drivers and operators, enabling them to cope with the financial demands of the PUVMP and address longstanding issues in public transportation.
One of the highlights during the launch was the accessibility of LCSC’s e-jeepneys. Drivers and operators may own an e-jeepney without requiring a down payment on top of zero percent interest rate financing options.
“To date, we’ve consolidated 3,000 units as initial orders for the PUVMP, and these units will not only be available for the PUVMP but will also be sold to private buyers,” Singson said.
The e-jeepneys are planned to be produced in a facility located in Lipa, Batangas that will utilize state-of-the-art Korean manufacturing technology.
In support of the e-PUV initiative, Singson also highlighted the importance of establishing charging stations at transport terminals to ensure the efficiency of e-jeepney services to the commuting public.
Earlier, several transport groups expressed their support for Singson’s candidacy, particularly appreciating his efforts to help drivers and operators who cannot bear the high costs of transitioning to e-jeepneys under the PUVMP.
The official launch of the e-jeepneys took place on 28 December in Pasig City, led by Singson and his daughter, Ako Ilokano Ako Partylist Rep. Richelle Louise Singson.
They were joined by key South Korean e-mobility figures, including E-Mon Co. Korea CEO Young-Jin Joo, Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH) Director Jong Gwan Rah, E-Mon Korea Director Ahn Jae-Bum, and LCSC E-Mon Operations Manager Jinhee Kim.
Manong Chavit reiterated his dedication to modernizing the country’s transportation system with electric vehicles, saying, “This marks the beginning of a sustainable and innovative future for the Philippines.”
Rep. Singson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in solving urban mobility challenges. “This initiative is a testament to how cooperation can address urban mobility challenges. Your work sets a benchmark for innovation and sustainability,” she said.
Jong Gwan Rah provided technical insights on micro-EVs, proof-of-concept processes, and their role in advancing equitable and sustainable mobility.
“Our goal is to promote fairness and innovation in the future of transportation, ensuring these advancements benefit all sectors of society,” Rah noted.
