E-Jeepneys: Why they may save the earth

Just as the prices of oil and gas are soaring and breathing air has seemingly transformed into a dangerous habit because of pollution, the environment-friendly minibuses called electric jeepneys or “E-Jeepneys” have come to the rescue.

A project of the Green Renewable Independent Power Producer Inc., the E-Jeepneys aim to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollutants, the containment of leachate that contaminate groundwater, the displacement of fossil fuel, the treatment of organic waste, and the improvement of local air, health and safety.

Best of all, E-Jeepneys do not need any fuel or solar energy. It runs on batteries charged via electrical sockets overnight.

“It runs from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour with six to eight hours of charging time. Each charge would last 90 kilometers. A single charge will cost just P158, amounting to a P3 per kilometer expense as opposed to the prevailing P8 per kilometer rate among diesel engines,” the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines had said.

MVPMAP is the local assemblers of two of the four units now traveling in Manila- three cruising the roads in Makati for commercial transport and one inside the University of the Philippines- Diliman campus.

Costing P500,000 each, the 14-seater jeepneys do not emit dark fog. They could also derive energy from biodegradable wastes from the urban’s wet markets, houses and foodchains, thereby diminishing solid wastes problems and air pollution and augment environmental disasters.

There should be no worry about being electrocuted during rainy days, manufacturers said, because the E-Jeepney’s engine would only stop and die when submerged in water. Because of this, the E-Jeepneys may also travel even during heavy rains.

With the E-Jeepneys, the government aims to save cost and at the same time provide better income to jeepney drivers.

The E-Jeepneys were launched last July 4, 2007 in Makati City, as part of a larger initiative called the Climate Friendly Cities Project. The program promotes more efficient transportation measures and waste management through renewable energy sources. — Cressida Paula G. Delmo/JMO