Electric Jeepneys Cruise Makati Streets

The jeepney, a brightly painted commuter minibus that has been roaming the Philippines since World War II, now has an electric version that recently tested in Makati City.

Two electric jeepneys, locally designed and made in China, were launched in Makati by Greenpeace and Green Renewable Independent Power Producer Inc. (GRIPP), the lead proponent of the initiative. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay drove one of the two jeepneys.

“We hope that we can introduce the electric jeepneys in other cities nationwide. If we can achieve our goal of cleaner air in Makati, I believe we can also do it in other parts of the country,” the mayor said.

The new jeepney can run 140 kilometers on an eight-hour battery charge at a minimum estimated cost of P120, GRIPP founder Athena Ronquillo said.

The e-jeepney has a fiberglass body and is equipped with a 5 horsepower engine that runs solely on electricity. It can carry up to 17 passengers, covers 120 kilometers each day and has a maximum speed of 40kph.