Manila Welcomes Locally Engineered Electric "Tram" to the Walled City - CleanTechnica

The Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in collaboration with the Intramuros administration and academic institutions, has launched a locally engineered electric "tranvia" (tram) in Manila’s historic walled city of Intramuros. This 18-seat, low-speed electric vehicle, available for public use since March 19, is designed to modernize tourism while preserving the colonial-era aesthetic of the area. The project involved DOST-National Capital Region, the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD), and Cagayan State University (CSU), showcasing a strong partnership between government and academia to promote greener, people-centered urban mobility solutions. The tram’s body incorporates innovative composite materials made from abaca fiber, and it operates on a lithium-ion battery-powered electric motor, replacing traditional diesel engines and supporting sustainable transport. Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative in addressing energy insecurity and fuel cost