In light of the impending jeepney phaseout related to the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) urged the public on Thursday, March 9 to look into its electricity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered public utility jeepneys.
In a statement, DOST said that these can be utilized as viable alternatives to support sustainable transport fuel diversification and as the government pushes for the modernization of public utility vehicles.
DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit made this pronouncement as the government extends the deadline for the modernization of jeepneys to December 31, 2023.
Paringit said these alternatives are available for licensing from the researchers and can now benefit the Filipino people.
“These modernized Kings of the Road complies with regulations and are in tune with the government’s thrust towards e-vehicles and other forms of mass transportation. We are optimistic that this upgrade will redound to greater benefits for our citizens,” he said.
The 23-seater electric jeepney PNS-compliant prototype was developed with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).
It is a lithium-ion battery-powered version of the traditional jeepney and produces zero emissions and no noise pollution, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to the diesel-fueled jeepney.
Furthermore, this e-jeepney has a range of 55km per full charge and a dashboard panel with a button to open and close the side door, an emergency button that disables the vehicle, and the standard LED display showing speed and remaining range. The revolutionary e-jeepney has non-metallic body materials that are excellent insulators with high resistance to corrosion and chemicals.
To address range anxiety, they have also developed battery charging systems and a workable operations template that involves fleet operations and the collection of daily loan amortization.
On the other hand, the LPG-powered jeepney was developed by the University of the Philippines National Center for Transportation Studies.
This 18-seater PUV ensures passenger safety and convenience as it features seat partitions to prevent passenger compression, distributed and easy access PUV stop buttons, a rear emergency exit door, digital route signage, a cashless payment system, a CCTV camera system, and a dashcam. They also installed a cabin public address system for passenger convenience.
The LPG-powered jeepney also includes a ramp that can be used to aid persons with disabilities (PWDs) to get on the vehicle.
"These modernized jeepneys also provide passengers with a more spacious and comfortable ride, reducing discomfort and stress caused by overcrowding," DOST-PCIEERD said.