Bacolod City is set to welcome a Chinese-made electric jeepney prototype as it heads towards road modernization.
Developed by the Korean-invested Chinese company Jiangsu Fengchuen New Energy Power Technology Co. Ltd. (Fengchuen), the prototyp is already on its way to the Philippines.
It will then be presented to the local officials In Bacolod City for evaluation.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday, May 4, that work on the prototype vehicle were based "on the outcomes of extensive consultations with the Bacolod City government on requirements and standards, and with jeepney operators on desired design and capacity specifications."
While in China, officials from the Philippine government and executives of the Chinese company boarded the 22-seater jeepney for a test drive conducted at the factory and to see its power, stability, roadworthiness and standard features, such as rapid air conditioning cooling and video monitors.
Also known as E-Future, Fengchuen is a Chinese "total solution provider" specializing in electric vehicles (EVs) for logistics transport as well as in lithium EV batteries.
Focusing on research and development, the company has its own product engineering and design for EV batteries and core electric vehicle elements, such as power trains and electrical units.
It is also interested in conducting EV-related investments in the Philippines as it builds on recent state visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to China.