Robert Lopez Puckett's Jeepney Redux

 Anywhere it goes, the SOLARco electric jeepney painted in bright colors and festive designs draws curious but appreciative stares. In a recent campus tour at the University of Santo Tomas, the E-Jeepney got celebrity treatment – cellphone cameras were whipped out as it toured the campus and everyone wanted to get their chance to be seen with and catch a ride on the jeep. “It’s like this wherever we take it,” says visionary president of the Solar Electric Company, Inc., Robert Lopez Puckett.

With its efficient and environment-friendly design, the electric jeepney, with an ultra-quiet engine, is creating quite a stir and leading the clamor for renewable energy.

As the president of the Solar Electric Company, Inc. (SOLARCO) since 1976, Puckett has been pushing for renewable energy for more than three decades. SOLARCO, the country’s leader in the application of solar energy technology is primarily involved in the commercialization of renewable energy, making the technology accessible to the ordinary consumer, and providing concerned individuals with an option to take advantage of the eco-friendly energy source. It provides scientific and technological expertise to groups that want to have the best renewable energy available set up at their residences or offices. A notable endeavor of SOLARCO is harnessing wind, hydro, and solar power in remote regions of the country. The company also sells everyday items that run on solar energy such as battery chargers, refrigerators, and water pumps. Because of his work as president of SOLARCO, Puckett is considered to be the pioneer of solar technology in the Philippines. 

Way ahead of his time, Puckett started in the business when many did not believe that renewable energy was even possible. Now, he once again introduces a first in the Philippines— the electric jeepney.

A salute to the Philippine icon, the E-Jeepney was meant to be exactly the same as the ubiquitous converted war-vintage transport – only better. Much better, in fact, in all aspects that, Puckett says, “It’s hard to find anything negative about it.” Running solely on electric power, the jeepney uses no form of fossil fuel and therefore emits no harmful fumes. “We’d fail a pollution test,” jokes Puckett, highlighting the fact that the E-Jeepney produces no pollution at all.

The jeep can last 120 kilometers on a single charge. With the optional solar panel installed, it can run for 150 kms. The jeepneys can be recharged at SOLARCO’s charging stations for only P150 – certainly much cheaper by far than refueling, considering the rising gas prices, enabling drivers to make three to four times more than they make now.

The spacious E-Jeepney is made of lightweight aluminum and fiberglass, making the ride more comfortable for both the driver and the passengers. Ultimately, the E-Jeepney is a wonder jeep of sorts, adding to the income of jeepney drivers while at the same time eliminating not only air pollution, but noise pollution as well. “The jeepney is so quiet that we had to install a radio so people would know that it is running,” says Puckett.

SOLARCO also manufactures electric delivery vehicles, pick-up trucks, tourist coaches, family vans and private cars. But, Puckett explains, they decided to introduce the E-Jeepneys first because it would make the biggest impact. With 450,000 registered jeepneys today, they contribute the most to air pollution, not to mention traffic congestion in the metropolis. Puckett also points out that “the jeepney drivers need it the most,” citing the increase in the take home pay as one of the important advantages of the E-Jeepney.

The E-Jeepney is definitely the vehicle of the future, today. At P550,000 versus a brand new regular jeepney’s P800,000, the E-Jeepney is definitely an investment worth making. At present, six jeepneys are undergoing a test run in Makati, Ateneo de Manila University, and Bacolod. “There have been no problems at all,” says Puckett proudly. Paying the same P7.50 fare, but with the added satisfaction of knowing that they are helping the environment, commuters are linig up to ride the E-Jeepney. The first 50 units have been sponsored by the Green Renewable Independent Power Producer (GRIPP) and Greenpeace and will be making rounds soon in Bacolod, but many local government units and other private organizations have expressed interest in purchasing the vehicles. Makati mayor Jejomar Binay, for example, plans to replace all jeepneys in the city with these eco-friendly alternatives. “We are not out to totally replace the regular jeepneys,” says Puckett. “We want it to be their own personal choice, we will not force anyone.” But, he adds: “We hope to convince them, though” to make the right choice for the environment. Puckett is happy with the overwhelming response from local government officials, subdivision and resort owners, and other individuals who have shown interest in the E-Jeepney. All orders, he says, are being addressed. The only factor holding back production is the pending permits at the Land Transportation Office which, Puckett says, will hopefully be approved soon.

“We will be the first in the world to have commercial E-Jeepneys on the street,” says Puckett. He predicts as well that, in the near future, the price of the E-Jeepney will go down significantly when the engine and all of the parts will be manufactured locally. With new technology, the cost of solar panels is expected to go down as well by 50 percent by 2008-2009.

“If we don’t change now, it will be too late for us to change,” says Puckett, citing the many uncontrollable changes in today’s environment.

“I think we can still save the Philippines,” he adds. However, being a pioneer in renewable energy in the Philippines, he understands how long it takes for new ideas to catch on.

“I waited 32 years for renewable energy to become popular. I can wait another 32 years for the electric jeepney,” says Puckett, showing his commitment to the project, as well as to the environment. May he – and Mother Earth – not have to wait that long again.