Francisco Motors' Push for Green Hydrogen in African Transportation Expansion
Key Ideas
  • Francisco Motors Corp. chairman expresses frustration over slow support for e-vehicle market development in the Philippines but remains passionate about exporting Philippine technology to Nigeria.
  • FMC plans to set up a production plant in Nigeria for the Pinoy Transporter, transitioning from CBU to CKD production to lower costs and promote local assembly.
  • The partnership with NetZero Global focuses on green hydrogen production, storage, and utilization to repurpose old jeepneys for the PUVMP, driving a potential US$5 billion infrastructure mobilization for a hydrogen economy.
  • Future plans involve collaborations with international technology partners like HDX and NextGen NRG to develop hydrogen fuel cell systems and processes, aiming to revolutionize the transportation sector in Nigeria and Africa.
Francisco Motors Corp. (FMC) is gearing up to export its Pinoy Transporter to Nigeria, highlighting a frustration over the slow progress in the e-vehicle market in the Philippines. Despite the challenges, FMC's chairman, Elmer Francisco, remains passionate about showcasing Philippine technology globally. The strategic partnership with Nigerian entrepreneur Emmanuel Akpakwu aims to establish production and distribution of e-vehicles in Africa, starting with Completely Built Units (CBU) and transitioning to local assembly in Nigeria. To accelerate the localization process, FMC is collaborating with energy experts to explore green hydrogen production. The partnership with NetZero Global targets the extraction, storage, and utilization of green hydrogen, aligning with FMC's goal to decarbonize the transport sector and foster a hydrogen economy in the Philippines. This initiative also involves repurposing old jeepneys to meet modern standards. In parallel, FMC is working with international technology partners to develop hydrogen fuel cell systems and processes. The focus is on enhancing hydrogen production and utilization, with plans to revolutionize the transportation sector in Nigeria and other African countries. The partnership with HDX and NextGen NRG signifies a strategic move towards promoting sustainable transportation solutions. The expansion into Nigeria signifies an opportunity to address the country's underdeveloped public transportation system. By introducing e-jeepneys under a rent-to-own scheme, FMC aims to provide reliable and safe transportation services while contributing to community empowerment. Additionally, partnerships with local entities like FutureView Financial Services Ltd will facilitate the successful deployment of e-vehicles and the establishment of essential infrastructure in Nigeria. The collaborative efforts highlight a positive outlook on advancing sustainable transportation and economic development in Africa.
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