Hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) taxis operated by Filipino-owned transport companies have been deployed on Grab’s platform, marking a significant step in the country’s transition to electrified urban mobility.
Seven local operators, including EV Taxi Corporation, EnviroCab, TaxiKo Transport Services, KateMikylla, CMAIII, ManilaTrans Taxi Corp, and Sun & Bin Transportation Corporation, have collectively activated hybrid and fully electric units under the GrabTaxi Electric service. The massive rollout is a timely move as fuel prices continue to surge, placing increasing pressure on traditional combustion-engine taxi fleets.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), early March 2026 projections indicated possible pump price increases of up to P24.25 per liter for diesel and P13 per liter for gasoline. These uncomfortable fluctuations have apparently made operating costs more volatile for conventional taxi operators, directly affecting margins and daily earnings.
Electric taxis, however, present a more stable alternative. Operators report that EVs can run at approximately 75% to 87% lower cost per kilometer compared to internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles. This cost advantage has become even more pronounced amid rising fuel prices, highlighting EV fleets as a more resilient business model.
Beyond cost savings, the partnership with Grab Philippines provides operators with access to a large pool of on-demand passengers. Several participants noted that more than 80% of their bookings now come from the Grab platform, significantly improving vehicle utilization compared to traditional taxi service.
The initiative also supports the goals of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which promotes the adoption of EVs in public transport and streamlines franchise processing for operators. Regulators have expressed support for accelerating the transition to cleaner transport solutions as part of a broader modernization agenda.
Currently in its beta testing phase, GrabTaxi Electric is available for booking in key Metro Manila areas, including Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Manila, and Quezon City. Grab said expansion plans are already underway for regional cities such as Cebu and Davao, touching bases in Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. Passengers can book electric taxis through the Grab app by selecting the “Electric taxi” option under the Taxi category, with fares remaining aligned with regulated metered rates.
Autocar’s Take
The multi-operator deployment of EV taxis under the Grab platform indicates a shift in how local transport sectors respond to rising fuel costs and changing commuter expectations. What shines here is not just the rapid adoption of EV technology, but the big role of digital platforms in making these investments viable.
By securing consistent demand, operators can now maximize fleet utilization and stabilize earnings, something that traditional street-hailing struggles to deliver. This business model opens a wider door for transport modernization, one that balances sustainability with business viability, while keeping local enterprises at the forefront of the transition.
