Electric rides

eJeepneys provide free, green transportation around Makati

The Electric Jeepney, or eJeepney, is touted as a cleaner alternative to the diesel-powered jeepneys in Metro Manila. According to Bong Cruz of Philippine Utility Vehicles (PhUV), manufacturer of the eJeepney, the vehicle is environment-friendly because it does not create noise or produce harmful exhaust emissions like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which can contribute to climate change at excessive levels.

“Various studies have shown that every liter of diesel avoided results in a reduction of 3,140 grams of carbon dioxide and 16 grams of nitrous oxide released into the atmosphere,” Cruz said.

Unlike hybrids or electric cars, Cruz said the eJeepneys use ordinary car batteries for power. He added that while these are inferior compared to electric vehicles’ lithium ion batteries, they are still better than fossil fuels.

With a 12-passenger capacity, PhUV said the eJeepneys are perfect for short community routes. In the Makati Green Route, free eJeepney rides are available in Legaspi and Salcedo Villages, including the Makati Central Business District. A project of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) in cooperation with the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines and the Makati City government, the route showcases the eJeepneys’ capability while providing a service for office workers in Makati, PhUV said.

It added that since the program’s launch in November last year, the eJeepneys have transported about 30,000 people around Makati.

While providing a convenient means of transportation to Makati workers is a worthy goal, PhUV said that the Makati Green Route Project ultimately aims to educate every passenger on living a greener lifestyle. “We want them to experience riding an environment-friendly vehicle in order for them to realize that it is safe and comparable to regular cars,” ICSC Trustee Red Constantino said.

PhUV said there are presently 12 eJeepneys in Makati, eight of which travel two routes while the other four serve as backups in case of mechanical problems. The group added that the Makati Green Route Project is funded and operated by the ICSC through the assistance of Stichting Doen Foundation. “We have sourced the funding to set up the project for its initial run but its maintenance and continued operation will be dependent on an advertising-based business model,” said ICSC Executive Director Yvonne Castro. “The free rides are crucial to the project’s goal of promoting the use of electric vehicles so a regular fare is not being considered. ICSC encourages businesses and other organizations to support this green campaign by adopting an eJeepney or by placing advertisements.”