01/07/2008 13:52. MANILA, Philippines -- Electricity-powered jeepneys will soon be plying major commercial districts in the country, as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially approved its operation on Tuesday.

The E-PHUV (Electric Philippine Utlitiy Vehicle) will initially travel along Makati's Legazpi and Salcedo villages but will soon run in Pasig, Mandaluyong, Puerto Princesa, Bacolod City, and Negros Occidental.

The E-PHUV hopes to "be the answer to the unabated increases in petroleum products," its local manufacturer Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP) said.

The 14-seater jeep will provide a better alternative to expensive fuel, "there being no smoke to exhaust, it also reduces air pollutants produced by the operation of diesel fueled PUJS,"... // Inquirer.net