Francisco Motors Corp., manufacturer of the iconic jeepney since 1947, plans to mass produce smart electric vehicles (EVs) for the domestic and export market.
Elmer Francisco, chairman of Francisco Motors, said it is processing its registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as an Electric Vehicle Manufacturer and Domestic Market Enterprise at the 30-hectare Francisco Special Economic Zone (FSEZ) in Camarines Norte.
Francisco said the FSEZ will house the whole supply chain of Francisco Motors. All parts needed for domestic products will be produced in the FSEZ by suppliers, both foreign and local with Francisco Motors as their exclusive market.
According to Francisco, the company is negotiating for a 100-megawatt solar farm and wind farm to supply the power requirements of the manufacturing facility as it also plans to produce Green Steel and Green Hydrogen for future projects to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals.
Francisco Motors eyes to break ground for the manufacturing facility by the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2025.
According to Francisco, the company will require $1 billion for the domestic operations with the seed money to be internally funded. Francisco expressed confidence the company would be able to get bank loans and will be supported by end- user financing,
But for the export market, the company will accept pre-orders with potential partners offering fixed investments for the manufacturing facility and equipment.
For the existing export deals, Francisco said the investment is estimated at $6 billion.
“Francisco Motors has received proposals from four different countries that are offering very attractive and lucrative investment packages on top of their fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to entice us to locate our manufacturing facilities in these countries,” Francisco said.
Once these deals push through, Francisco Motors will produce 200,000 units per year.
According to Francisco, the company has export contracts with African countries and is negotiating with some Southeast Asian and South American countries for EVs.
Francisco Motors will roll out the initial units next month to serve purchase orders for over 1,300 units and letters of intent for 70,000 units.
These numbers do not include the pledges of Malacañang to procure 82 units for provincial tourism purposes and Climate Change Commission for 100 units for state universities, national parks, military and many more government offices and agencies.
Francisco Motors has 12 civilian models and three military models.
The 12 civilian models are FPJ (Francisco Passenger Jeepney); Francisco Elektron for taxi and transport network vehicle service or TNVS (owner type jeepney); PINOY Transporter AUV (Class 2 and Class 3); PINOY Loader (Pick-up); PINOY Cab & Chassis (for aluminum van, firetruck, etc.); Francisco KIDLAT (low roof van); Francisco KIDLAT+ (high roof van); eVTOL – electric Vertical Take-off and Landing Vehicle; passenger car and sport utility vehicle line-up; light, medium and heavy trucks; sports car and hyper car models; e-trikes and e-motorcycles.
The military models are PINOY eVTOL; PINOY amphibian and; Francisco Elektron – Light Tactical Vehicle.
Francisco said the company will produce 25,200 units per year targeting both consolidated and unconsolidated transport operators specifically the jeepney and UV Express market.
Francisco sees good prospects for the Elektron for taxi and TNVS since it has the iconic jeepney design.
These are smaller and run on full electric.
Francisco said a number of private buyers have also signified interest to buy the KIDLAT and KIDLAT+ for family use.
“A huge segment of our market is the government which is required by law to have at least 5 percent of its fleet to be electric and to prioritize Filipino products. As the only Filipino manufacturer in the market, this should give us the advantage in government biddings and procurements,” Francisco said.
The EVs will be equipped with 70kW electric motor and a 41.86kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.
In one full charge, the vehicle can run on a 250- kilometer (km) range. Charging time could take anywhere from 30 minutes to five and a half hours.
“Our range extender technology is currently being developed to extend range of our EVs up to 1,200 kms in one full charge. We are also currently doing miniaturization of our proton exchange membrane, electrolysis technology and hydrogen fuel cell technology to use water as fuel which will eventually replace our batteries after their lifespan,” Francisco said.
