Dream realized: 1st e-jeepney factory opens in Lima, Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — A game-changing moment occurred last Wednesday when the Philippines’ first e-jeepney assembly plant opened in Lima, Batangas, bringing the country a step closer to eco-friendly, cleaner and greener commutes.

Leading the charge is former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who has spent years standing with jeepney drivers and operators struggling with the cost of the shift to modernized transport.

Inside the vast assembly plant, Singson spoke about his mission: to give jeepney drivers a fighting chance in the modern era.

For the former governor, the plant, named “LCS (Luis Chavit Singson) EMON Lima Factory,” is more than just a business – it’s about saving livelihoods and catching up with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

“We copied the iconic jeepney design exactly because drivers and transport groups requested it. The government required it. But now, we’re making it sustainable,” he said in Filipino, gesturing to the factory floor where three models of e-jeepneys were on display.

Each basic unit costs P1.2 million, against the prevailing market price of P2.5 to P3 million – a price Singson claimed drivers could recover in two to three years.

“We plan to produce 500 units a month, but if demand grows, we’ll ramp it up,” he added.

Unlike imported e-vehicles, the e-jeepneys come with a crucial advantage in local parts and maintenance support.

“If something breaks, we can fix it here,” he said.

However, he said the hurdle is route approvals.

“We are waiting for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to process the franchise applications for e-jeepney transportation services,” Singson added.

While awaiting local permits, he said international interest is growing. Paraguay has already ordered 60 units at P2.5 million each – a deal he admitted would help offset costs.

“Everything will be assembled here, then exported. It takes just two hours with four workers per unit,” he said.

The newly opened assembly plant, which is expected to employ close to 100 Filipino workers, will later expand to the Visayas and Mindanao.

A legacy project, not politics

Singson brushed off political motives in his senatorial run for the 2025 midterm elections.

“I don’t want political colors, that is why I withdrew; I want solutions,” he said, adding that his focus remains on the transport sector – a cause he’s championed since the PUV modernization plan floated during then-president Fidel Ramos’ time.

Chavit’s daughter, Richelle Singson of the Ako Ilokano Ako Party-list, earlier vowed to boost her father’s e-jeepney initiative through their party-list, saying the former doesn’t need a Senate seat to serve.

“Tinutuloy namin ang laban ni Daddy,” Richelle pledged, keeping her father’s transport modernization promise alive.

Meanwhile, Orlando Marquez, president of Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, couldn’t hide his excitement about the historic facility.

“Manong Chavit thought of this. He embraced us in the transport industry. We are happy because finally, after years of struggles with modernization, the first e-jeepney assembly plant in the Philippines is here,” Marquez said in Filipino.

The transport leader highlighted the game-changing economics of the locally made e-jeepneys, which is surprisingly low compared to imports.

Zaldy Pingay of the Stop and Go Transport Coalition cannot thank Singson enough for the blessing.

He said: “He’s giving us electric jeepneys at rock-bottom prices – zero downpayment, zero interest. But more than that, he’s saving the soul of our iconic Philippine jeepney.”

“Hindi mawawala ang mukha ng ating minamahal na jeepney,” he added, referring to the assembled unit that maintained the vibrant colors and familiar silhouette of traditional jeepneys.

He said Filipinos will build and maintain the e-jeepneys, from the assembly line workers to the service technicians.

“Maraming trabaho ang magbubukas, from Batangas to the entire country,” Pingay said. “It’s a stimulus package for our local economy.”

The assembly plant, the former governor’s long-held dream, is part of a partnership between LCS Group of Companies and South Korea’s E-MON Co. – the global leader in electric mobility sharing services.

Designed by the renowned Korea Automobile Technology Institute, this cutting-edge e-jeepney, with a 27-seat capacity, combines modern efficiency with classic Filipino charm.