Bacolod City will be the testing ground for a Chinese-made electric jeepney in the near future. The prototype, developed and made by Jiangsu Fengchuen New Energy Power Technology Co. Ltd. (Fengchuen), a Chinese company backed by Korean investment, is currently en route to the Philippines. When it arrives, it will be showcased to Bacolod City officials for their assessment.
Prior to the prototype jeepney’s planned trip to the Philippines, the e-Jeepney prototype was presented to Consul General in Shanghai, Josel F. Ignacio, Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Shanghai Head, Mario C. Tani, and Assistant Ms. Sun Qian last April 25, 2023. During their time in China, representatives from the Philippine government and executives of the Chinese company took the 22-seater jeepney for a test drive to put the prototype through its paces. The test drive took place at the factory and aimed to evaluate its power, stability, roadworthiness, and standard features, including rapid air conditioning cooling, and video monitors.
Way before the visit to the factory floor, Fengchuen Founder and Chairman Mr. Li Longde and General Manager Jeong Hae-il offered a briefing on the company and the origins of their e-Jeepney project with Bacolod City, which took place during the Presidential visit to China in early January 2023. The development of the prototype vehicle was guided by comprehensive consultations with the Bacolod City government to address their requirements and standards, as well as engaging with jeepney operators to incorporate desired design elements and capacity specifications.
The maker of this new e-jeepney, Fengchuen, also referred to as E-Future, is a Chinese company recognized as a "total solution provider" in the field of electric vehicle (EV) technology, particularly for logistics transport and designing of lithium EV batteries. According to the Philippine Consulate General’s report, the brand is renowned for its focus on research and development (R&D). On their website, Fengchuen says that the company independently undertakes product engineering and design for EV batteries, as well as essential components like powertrains and electrical units for electric vehicles. In addition, the company is actively interested in pursuing more EV-related investments in the Philippines in the future.
