Bengaluru-based electric automaker Urban Sphere plans to invest in the Philippine automotive industry, particularly replacing traditional jeepneys with new electric buses.
Urban Sphere’s to invest ₱50M-₱100M in the PH
According to the Philippine News Agency, Urban Sphere is eyeing to electrify the Philippine public transportation sector by introducing its electric buses.
The Indian electric automaker’s top executive said during the APV Expo 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Thursday that the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) attracted them to invest in the local industry.
Founder and CEO Karthik Athreya announced plans to invest ₱50M-₱100M to establish its domestic sales office and car showroom in the Philippines.
It will market its Ivoryline 9m electric bus as a replacement to traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
Role of the government’s PUV modernization program
The Philippine government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aims to revamp the domestic public transportation system. Officially launched in 2017, it seeks to phase out aging and polluting jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Under the program, the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines offer a ₱160,000 ($3,200) subsidy per modern vehicle. It represents a notable increase from the initial ₱80,000 ($1,575) subsidy, according to the LTO Portal.
Cleaner air, more capacity
Apart from promoting cleaner air, these mini buses offer up to 22 seats for passengers (excluding the driver) and can carry 12 more passengers in a standing position.
“Our goal is to contribute to the nation’s endeavors to reduce carbon emissions and cultivate environmentally friendly cities. We are confident in our ability to revolutionize the public transportation sector and enhance quality of life by offering a comprehensive solution suite.”
Urban Sphere Founder and CEO Karthik Athreya
Urban Sphere has yet to disclose the unit price of the Ivoryline 9m electric buses.
While electrification promotes more sustainable transportation, many operators and drivers of traditional jeepneys are worried about the financial burden associated with the process. There have also been debates over cultural preservation as iconic jeepneys undergo changes as part of the electric vehicle transition.
