Jeep modernization bid gets regulators’ support

Basic Energy Corp. said the Department of Transportation was receptive to its proposed Green Energy E-Transport Program that will help support the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan PUVMP. 

In a press statement on Monday, BEC said Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chief chairman Teofilo Guadiz III, and Land Transportation office chief Vigor Mendoza II were present when they presented the plan last Friday, 24 November.

Chairperson Jesus Ferdinand de Perio Ortega of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives and members of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines and Pasang Masda were also in attendance during the presentation.

According to BEC, the proposal seeks to modernize public utility jeepney transport and promote renewable energy sources through the Republic Act. 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.

GEEP will primarily solarize selected retail stations, and install battery storage facilities to power electric vehicle charging stations and the e-PUV.

Under the program, BEC will tap Ecology Builders Development Corp. to provide Class 2 e-PUVs via the Love e-bus and Iconic e-Jeepney and deploy at least 10 in each province within the next five years, bringing the EV experience to the commuting public.

Projects mobilized nationwide within five years

BEC said it will also mobilize these projects nationwide within the next five years, deploying a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 80 class 2 e-buses for each of the 82 provinces, giving a total of 6,500 e-buses nationwide.

In addition, the company will create a "Basic e-Hub," a transportation and energy hub. This hub will incorporate the GEEP Ecosystem and a planned solar farm with Battery Energy Storage Systems.

An e-bus terminal, a sales and maintenance center for the e-buses, as well as restaurants and stores for the local community and commuting public, are planned for the hub.

Under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan or PUVMP, new jeepney units should run with Euro 4-compliant engines or electrically-powered engines with solar panels for roofs.