The first electric jeepney (e-jeepney) assembled in the Philippines has rolled off the production line following the inauguration of a new manufacturing plant by the LCS Group of Companies and its South Korean partner, Electric Mobility ON (Emon), a firm led by Korean automotive experts.

The factory, located in the Lima Technology Center Special Economic Zone in Malvar, Batangas, was officially launched on Wednesday, April 30. The milestone signals a significant advance in the Philippines’ push to modernize its public transport fleet with cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

The newly assembled e-jeepney — modeled after the iconic Filipino jeepney but powered entirely by electricity — is part of a broader effort by LCS Emon to provide affordable, sustainable alternatives for drivers and operators under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). The base model, the eJ01, has a 28-passenger capacity, a top speed of 50 kilometers per hour, and a 100-kilometer battery range.

Former Ilocos Sur governor and LCS Group chairman Luis “Chavit” Singson, who led the plant’s inauguration, said the factory can produce up to 500 units per month, with one e-jeepney assembled by a four-person crew in just two hours.

In addition to the standard unit, the joint venture offers upgraded models including the e-J02 premium and e-J03 cargo variants. Singson also revealed plans to manufacture electric tricycles, scooters, and pickup vehicles to further diversify the product lineup and tap into broader domestic and regional markets.

As the only operational electric vehicle manufacturer in the Philippines, LCS Emon’s entry strengthens Aboitiz InfraCapital’s push to attract future-ready industries to its economic estates. The collaboration not only brings in foreign expertise but also highlights the country’s potential as a regional hub for sustainable automotive manufacturing.