BY JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
A senior executive at Francisco Motors Corporation unveiled plans for the company to reclaim its dominance in the market, catering once again to Filipino commuters as it did in previous decades.
Elmer Francisco, the driving force behind Francisco Motors Corporation, announced on his Facebook page that the company is set to mass-produce the innovative Francisco HARABAS, a fully electric vehicle powered by a cutting-edge Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. The HARABAS boasts an impressive 400-kilometer range on a single charge and can recharge from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
“We’re introducing a range of configurations, including high roof, low roof, transporter, cargo, ambulance, and more, to accommodate the diverse needs of local businesses and government agencies, much like our successful ANFRA models from the past,” stated Francisco.
The prototype of the HARABAS is nearing completion, with road tests scheduled within the next week or two. Francisco expressed optimism about bringing the product to market swiftly, pending any potential delays from government regulations.
Acknowledging the global collaboration required for the project, Francisco emphasized that while the vehicle is not yet entirely locally sourced, efforts are underway to achieve full Philippine-made status.
“I can’t take full credit for this endeavor yet, as some components are still imported from various countries including the US, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Australia,” Francisco noted.
However, he pledged to transition to a 100% Philippine-made product once adequate government support is secured, highlighting the current absence of such support for the project.
“Building this from the ground up without government backing presents challenges, but with your support, we’re committed to reaching our goal, whether or not we receive official support,” concluded Francisco.
