E-Jeepney : Helping the Philippines to be Clean and Green

Jul 5th, 2007

Hello there! Seems it's your first visit on Philippines Travel Blog. You can stay up to date by subscribing to our RSS Feed or even receive updates in your e-mail.

electronic jeepney philippines Makati City, Philippines — Jeepney, a colorful transportation vehicle originated from a refurbished american jeep since World War II, has just become greener.

Philippines pioneer electric-powered jeepneys (e-Jeepney) rolled off Makati City last Friday (June 29,2007)Â in an initial test drive.

The 10 to 12-seater electric-powered version of the vehicle that has its origin in surplus US Army jeeps were developed by Greenpeace and the Makati City government and financed by the Green Renewable Independent Power Producer Inc (GRIPP) in an effort to encourage the use of alternative fuels as well as to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases on climate change.

The vehicles were made in China.Â Powered by five-horsepower electric motor engines with 12 batteries that, at full capacity, allow the vehicles to run 120 to 140 kilometers at around 40 kilometers per hour.

Batteries are charged for eight hours on ordinary 220-volt power sockets at a minimum cost of P120. In contrast, regular fume-spewing jeepneys guzzle P300 (US$6.50) or more of diesel each day.