For many Filipinos, the name Francisco Motors instantly brings back memories of the country's iconic jeepneys. It's a brand that has been part of Philippine motoring history for generations. Now, it's making one of its biggest moves yet—not with another public utility vehicle, but with an all-electric SUV.
Meet the Francisco Motors Elektron
Officially unveiled on July 27, 2026, the Elektron is the company's first fully electric passenger vehicle and its boldest attempt yet to enter the growing EV market. Rather than reviving its heritage through retro styling, Francisco Motors has gone in a completely different direction, introducing a modern compact crossover designed to appeal to today's buyers.
A Fresh Take from a Familiar Name
At first glance, there's very little that reminds you of the jeepneys that made Francisco Motors famous. The Elektron wears a sleek crossover body with slim LED lighting, flush surfaces, and proportions that wouldn't look out of place beside today's crop of electric SUVs. It's a clean-sheet design aimed at buyers looking for a practical daily driver rather than a nostalgic throwback.
Dimension-wise, it sits comfortably in the compact SUV segment.
Length: 4,640 mm
Width: 1,870 mm
Height: 1,655 mm
Wheelbase: 2,760 mm
Inside, there's room for five passengers and 450 liters of luggage space, making it a realistic family vehicle as much as a city commuter.
Plenty of Power on Tap
Performance figures are where the Elektron starts grabbing attention. Francisco Motors says its electric drivetrain produces up to 340 kW, or roughly 456 horsepower, along with 640 Nm of torque. Those numbers put it in the company of several high-performance electric crossovers already on the market.
Range is equally ambitious. Depending on the battery pack and model variant, the company is targeting 400 to more than 600 kilometers on a single charge. If those figures translate well into real-world driving, range anxiety shouldn't be high on the list of concerns for most owners.
Modern Cabin, Familiar Expectations
Step inside and it's immediately obvious that Francisco Motors is targeting buyers who expect the same technology found in today's mainstream EVs.
A dual 12.3-inch digital display stretches across the dashboard, while wireless smartphone integration comes via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The front seats are power-adjustable and include heating, ventilation, and memory functions, while the vehicle is equipped with an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) to bring it in line with modern safety expectations.
More Than an SUV
Francisco Motors isn't treating the Elektron as a standalone product
The SUV is designed to work with the company's Jeepney.io ecosystem, integrating connected services, charging infrastructure, fleet management tools, and the DOMENG® AI voice assistant into one platform.
Reservations Are Open
The company has also launched its Founder Orbit reservation program, accepting the first 1,947 reservations with a ₱1,947 reservation fee. Interested buyers can register through https://jeepney.io/welcome.
Initial Specifications
Powertrain: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Maximum Output: Up to 340 kW (456 hp)
Maximum Torque: 640 Nm
Driving Range: 400–600+ km (claimed)
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Capacity: 450 liters
Wheelbase: 2,760 mm
Displays: Dual 12.3-inch digital screens
Connectivity: Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Safety: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Elektron is easily the most ambitious road-going vehicle Francisco Motors has ever introduced. On paper, the numbers are promising. The claimed performance, driving range, and equipment list suggest that Francisco Motors isn't simply joining the EV conversation—it wants to be taken seriously alongside the growing list of electric crossovers entering the Philippine market.
The real test, however, begins once customers get behind the wheel. Ride quality, efficiency, charging performance, after-sales support, and pricing will ultimately determine whether the Elektron becomes a genuine contender or simply an interesting first step.
One thing is certain: after decades of building vehicles that moved the nation, Francisco Motors is once again looking toward the road ahead—this time with electrons instead of engines.
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