Senatorial candidate Luis “Manong Chavit” Singson has unveiled plans to ramp up production to 500 e-jeepneys per month, alongside electric bikes and tricycles.

This bold initiative, following the successful launch of e-jeepneys by the LCSC Group last month, is set to transform the nation’s public transportation system. It aligns with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and supports the shift towards cleaner, more sustainable mobility solutions.

“We plan to produce an initial 500 units per month of e-jeepneys, along with about 2,000 e-bikes and 1,000 e-tricycles. We will ramp up production in the coming months,” Singson shared in a statement on Thursday.

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.

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Part of Singson’s platform as a senatorial candidate 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.

He emphasized that the e-jeepneys could be acquired without requiring a down payment, collateral, or additional interest, making the transition to electric vehicles more accessible to drivers and transport operators.

“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.

Singson also announced plans to establish an e-jeepney manufacturing plant in Lipa City, Batangas, which will leverage advanced Korean technology for production.

As part of this initiative, he highlighted the importance of establishing charging stations at transport terminals to ensure that e-jeepney services to commuters run smoothly.

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 Young-Jin Joo, CEO of E-Mon Co. Korea; Jong Gwan Rah, Director of the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH); Ahn Jae-Bum, Director of E-Mon Korea; 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.”

By adopting electric jeepneys, we aim to create a positive environmental impact and enhance the daily lives of Filipinos.”

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.