Grab deploys e-vehicles for ride-hailing service

MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing giant Grab Philippines is now offering a taxi service run by a fleet of electric vehicles to support the government’s efforts in promoting sustainable mobility.

Grab yesterday introduced its new service called GrabTaxi Electric, the first e-vehicle taxi in the Philippines recognized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Grab partnered with local operator EV Taxi Corp. in sending out e-vehicle taxis in several cities in Metro Manila, including Makati, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasig, Pasay and Taguig.

Grab Philippines country head Ronald Roda said the partnership with EV Taxi builds on a study in 2024 with e-vehicle maker BYD Philippines. The study confirmed the financial and operational viability of dispatching e-vehicles into the streets.

Further, the study affirmed an insight that Grab is now holding on to: that electrification is also a cost-effective and scalable way for mobility business. Roda said Grab is taking the first step toward changing a taxi landscape still dominated by combustion-fueled cars.

Roda said GrabTaxi Electric is part of Grab’s strategy to expand e-vehicle adoption in the Philippines.

Later on, the leading transport app in the Philippines and Southeast Asia will deploy e-vehicles in GrabCar services for urban centers outside of Metro Manila, particularly Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City.

The rollout will be supported by in-app sustainability features, including voluntary contributions for environmental conservation, as Grab also deepens its work with public and private partners in expediting e-vehicle readiness nationwide.

“This is not just about offering another ride option; it is about fundamentally changing the DNA of urban transport in the Philippines, one that aligns with sustainability commitments, empowers Filipino commuters and creates meaningful green livelihoods. Sustainability cannot be a distant ideal, as it must be something you can book, ride and feel today,” Roda said.

EV Taxi president Frankie Ang said the partnership with Grab exhibits what can be achieved if local innovators and multinational platforms work together. He also hopes the tie-up would lead to cleaner options for public transport.

Right now, GrabTaxi Electric is running on trial mode for select passengers and is listed as one of the options under transport services.

Grab will collect feedback from passengers and drivers during this trial phase to improve design and service before it is fully launched.