The UP E-kot could be Diliman's next iconic vehicle

In addition to the famous Ikot and Toki jeepneys, ten battery-powered E-kot tricycles will start plying selected routes within the University of the Philippines Diliman campus on Saturday.

 

The E-kots are part of UP's planned shift to alternative energy transportation system in the next five years.

 

The E-kot will first undergo a two-month dry run where commuters can enjoy free rides. 

 

UP Diliman Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Nestor Castro says the tricycles have been assigned to routes that are not yet serviced by the Ikot or Toki jeepneys.

 

At least three of the units will also serve as night shuttles from 9 p.m. up to the wee hours of the morning.

 

"Tingin namin, pananagutan ng UP na mag-provide para sa mga estudyante kasi masyado nang madilim, puwede na silang ma-hold up. Sa gabi, meron nang from dorms [papunta sa] mga gates, from dorms to library," Castro said.

 

Castro, however, clarifies that the campus is not replacing its Ikot and Toki jeepneys: "Hindi ibig sabihin na e-vehicles lang. Puwedeng LPG, solar, o wind, o bikes, o kung anumang mga alterative energy."

 

It takes four hours to fully charge an E-kot which can travel up to 12 hours at 30kph, the campus speed limit.

 

Each E-kot can only carry six passengers but this will not be a problem, Castro said.

 

"Hindi iyon kasinlaki ng jeepney, pero dadalhin niya kasi sa mga ruta na hindi malaki ang ridership so walang kaso yun."

 

The units were lent to UP by Japanese company BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines Inc., who will take care of the maintenance and repair of the units during the dry run. 

 

The university, for its part, will compensate the E-kot drivers and pay for the electricity to charge the electric tricycles. 

 

Castro says they will spend less than P500,000 for the testing period.

 

"Batay sa mga pag-aaral, mas mura ito kaysa sa fossil fuel tulad ng gasoline o diesel." Castro said. — JDS/ELR, GMA News