In one of the most historic shifts for the Philippine automotive industry, Francisco Motors— the legendary manufacturer that helped define Filipino public transportation with the post-WWII jeepney— has officially entered the electric passenger vehicle market with the launch of the Elektron Compact SUV.
Unveiled as the brand’s first all-electric compact crossover SUV, the Elektron marks a dramatic evolution for the 79-year-old automaker. While Francisco Motors built its legacy as the “King of the Road,” the Elektron signals an ambitious leap toward positioning the Philippines on the global stage for Next-Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
- Length: 4,640 mm
- Width: 1,870 mm
- Height: 1,655 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,760 mm
- Luggage Capacity: 450 liters
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Color Palette: Moon White, Lemon Yellow, Natron Red, Stellar Black, and Oasis Green
Inside, the cabin takes a tech-forward approach with a large central infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a sleek rotary gear selector. Depending on the trim, buyers can equip the Elektron with a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, wireless charging pads, power-adjustable heated and ventilated memory seats, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Safety and convenience feature heavily, including a 360-degree camera system and an extensive suite of active driver-assistance technologies.
Francisco Motors is launching the Elektron in three distinct variants catering to daily commuters, range-focused drivers, and performance enthusiasts:
| Variant | Battery Capacity | Motor Setup | Power / Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed | Estimated Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 54.9 kWh (LFP) | Single Motor (FWD) | Standard | 7.7 sec | 160 km/h | 400+ km |
| Fashion | 63.2 kWh | Single Motor (FWD) | Standard | 7.7 sec | 160 km/h | 500+ km |
| Deluxe | 81.5 kWh | Dual Motor (AWD) | 340 kW / 640 Nm | 4.3 sec | 180 km/h | Extended High Capacity |
The top-tier Deluxe variant delivers a staggering 340 kW (approximately 456 hp) and 640 Nm of torque, pushing the EV from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
What sets the Elektron apart from typical EV launches is its integration into Francisco Motors’ digital mobility infrastructure:
- DOMENG® AI Assistant: Integrated directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system, DOMENG serves as the platform’s conversational AI layer, handling vehicle diagnostics, routing, customer service, and command functions.
- Jeepney.io Platform: Acts as the digital backbone connecting owner profiles, digital wallets, telemetry, and fleet management tools.
- FMC Physical Hubs: A network of nationwide service nodes planned for charging, maintenance, battery management, financing, and insurance support.
Honoring the company’s establishment in 1947, Francisco Motors has set the starting price (SRP) for the Elektron at ₱1,947,000.
To celebrate the launch, the company opened reservations through its limited Founder Orbit initiative. Prospective buyers and fleet operators can secure a digital reservation spot for ₱1,947—a fee credited directly toward the final vehicle purchase. The first reservation phase is strictly capped at 1,947 units, granting early backers exclusive digital badges, priority dashboard updates via Jeepney.io, and launch routing.
By transitioning from its deep heritage in public utility vehicles to mass-market electric passenger crossovers, Francisco Motors aims to prove that a homegrown Filipino automaker can innovate, electrify, and compete in the modern global EV era.
