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EVAP to work with Isuzu and Fuso for PUV modernization program

Electric jeepneys are expected to be fielded early next year.

Allysa Mae Zulueta on Nov 17, 2017

Electric vehicle (EV) seems to be the rising trend in the automotive industry nowadays. As such, numerous EVs from different Japanese manufacturers were displayed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show.

With that in mind, some of the EVs exhibited during the said show were the Isuzu N-Series, the E-Fuso and the ECanter light trucks. Isuzu and Fuso also displayed their respective battery systems and charging stations.

Now that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is already in full swing here in the country, the member companies of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) plans to upgrade and modernize around 10% of the total 200,000 new Eco PUVs over the next 5 to 6 years.

“We will be working closely with the two brands to explore if the EV chassis will be available in the Philippine market as a platform in time for the PUV Modernization Program. We are very optimistic about this as no less than President Rodrigo Duterte himself has expressed his 100% support to the PUVMP. It is expected that the modern Eco PUVs that will include the modern electric PUV jeepneys will be fielded by early next year.”

Mr. Rommel Juan
President of Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP)

In addition, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) recently introduced various prototypes of the locally-made Eco PUVs that the industry will supply to the PUVMP.

Moreover, the next phase of the project is said to be the pilot testing of the vehicles in actual jeepney routes. This phase is deemed necessary in order to evaluate the Eco PUVs performance before it hits mass production.