Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson led the inauguration of the factory owned by his LCS Group of Companies, in partnership with Electric Mobili-ty ON (EMON), an outfit run by Korean automotive experts, last week, Wednesday in the Lima Technology Center Special Economic Zone in Malvar, Batangas.
During the launch, Singson proudly announced that his manufacturing plant is now capable of producing 500 units of e-jeepney per month. This is in line with this commitment to support transport modernization in the Philippines, the LCS Group president and chairman will sell the basic e-J01 model to members of transport groups at a significantly reduced price of P1.2 million per unit from its market value of P2.5 million, and will come with zero down payment, zero collateral and zero interest.
THE PROMISE. “Umpisa na ng pagkalugi (I’ll start losing money),” Singson said in jest. “Ito naman talaga ang pangako ko, na tutulong ako sa mga tsuper at sa modernization program ng gobyerno (This is what I promised, to help public transport drivers and the modernization program of the government.”
In addition, Singson, however, said Paraguay has placed an order for 60 e-jeepney units from his company at P2.5 million each. “At least, kahit papaano, kikita rin tayo pag may order mula sa ibang bansa (In a way, we will have profit if we have or-ders from other countries),” he said.
Singson said the factory can make 500 units per month, but can increase its output if there are more orders from transport groups across the country. He said a crew of four people can assemble one e-jeepney unit in two hours.
Also present during the launch of the LCS-EMON factory were Department of Transportation undersecretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Ramon Reyes and Rep. Richelle Singson, the first nominee of the Ako Ilocano Ako party-list.
Representatives from transport groups Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang Masda), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (Fejoda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Driv-ers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Committed Transport Organizations Nationwide Corp. (Actona), Stop and Go Coalition, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto) and Liga ng mga Transportation at mga Operator ng Pilipinas (LTOP) also graced the event.
The LCS-EMON e-jeepney has a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour and its battery can last for 100 kilometers. It has a seating capacity of 28 passengers and its design was made to resemble the iconic Filipino jeepney. It has no tailpipe emissions and is fully compliant with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Aside from the basic eJ01 model, LCS-Emon also offers the e-J02 premium and the e-J03 cargo electric jeepneys.
The modern jeepneys are seen as an upgrade to the traditional jeepneys in terms of passenger comfort, cost of maintenance and environmental impact.
LCS-EMON, the country’s only electric automobile manufacturer, will also produce electric scooters, tricycles and pick-up vehicles to generate income and broaden its market, Singson said.
With additional reports: The Manila Times, Frederick Nasiad
