In a landmark advancement for sustainable urban transport in the Philippines, Grab Philippines announced the launch of GrabTaxi Electric—the nation’s first fully electric, on-demand taxi fleet officially recognized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). This pioneering initiative, launched in partnership with local operator EV Taxi Corp, marks a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Philippine mobility.
The all-EV fleet will commence operations in key Metro Manila hubs, including Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, and Pasay. This rollout signifies a crucial regulatory and operational milestone in a country where traditional combustion engine vehicles dominate the transportation landscape.
The launch of GrabTaxi Electric builds upon Grab’s successful pilot study conducted in June 2024 with BYD Philippines. This study conclusively demonstrated the operational and financial viability of electric vehicles for both fleet operators and driver-partners, reinforcing the understanding that electrification is not only an environmental imperative but also a cost-effective and scalable model for urban mobility.
“This is not just about offering another ride option,” stated Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines Country Head. “It’s about fundamentally changing the DNA of urban transport in the Philippines – one that aligns with our sustainability commitments, empowers Filipino commuters, and creates meaningful green livelihoods. Sustainability cannot be a distant ideal; it must be something you can book, ride, and feel today.”
GrabTaxi Electric is an integral part of Grab’s broader eco-mobility strategy. This comprehensive strategy includes expanding EV adoption across its GrabCar fleet in regional cities such as Davao and Cagayan De Oro within the year. This phased rollout will be supported by innovative in-app sustainability features, such as voluntary contributions for environmental conservation efforts for every Grab transaction. Furthermore, Grab is committed to fostering deeper collaboration with government and private sector partners to accelerate EV ecosystem readiness nationwide.
“As a local operator, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,” said Frankie Ang, President of EV Taxi Corp. “Our partnership with Grab proves that when multinational platforms and local innovators work together, we can fast-track a cleaner, more inclusive future for transport – one that delivers value for both passengers and drivers alike.”
The launch has been met with enthusiasm from commuter advocates. Ira Panganiban of the Coalition of Filipino Commuters remarked, “Zero-emission transport is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. GrabTaxi Electric shows us that sustainability can be embedded in everyday systems. We hope this sparks a cascading positive effect across the entire industry.”
Currently in beta, GrabTaxi Electric allows passengers to seamlessly book electric taxis within the Transport tab of the Grab app, alongside traditional Grab mobility services. Feedback from passengers and drivers during this crucial beta phase will be instrumental in shaping the future design, expansion, and service model of this groundbreaking offering.
