Stuck in traffic or scrambling for alternatives on your car’s coding day? You’re not alone. From longer commutes and higher transport costs to limited ride options, Metro Manila drivers know the stress of dealing with coding restrictions all too well.
While some car owners feel like there’s no choice but to buy a second vehicle just to get around coding restrictions, savvy drivers can take charge of their travel experience by using ride-hailing apps like Grab.
If you’re an eco-conscious commuter, GrabTaxi Electric offers a greener option to ease the stress of city commutes. This new service from Grab, launched in June, is the country’s first fully-electric taxi fleet officially recognized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), promising 100% electric and zero-pollution travel, and making every ride a step toward a cleaner city.
GrabTaxi Electric enables passengers to book electric taxis seamlessly within the transport tab of the Grab app, alongside traditional Grab mobility services. Here’s all you need to know about it.
Where is GrabTaxi Electric available?
GrabTaxi Electric is currently on beta mode and is available in key Metro Manila hubs, namely:
- San Juan
- Makati
- Taguig
- Pasig
- Mandaluyong
- Pasay
Grab is set to expand and operate its GrabTaxi EV service in other cities as part of its phased rollout.
What type of vehicles does the GrabTaxi Electric fleet use?
The all-EV fleet was launched in partnership with EV Taxi Corporation (EVTC). For this service, the company operates EV models such as the Changan Eado EV460, a fully-electric sedan with a spacious five-seater cabin. On a full charge, it has a range of over 400km for picking up and dropping off Grab passengers, suitable for daily driving around the metro.
Envirocab is another partner operator for the GrabTaxi Electric service. Its fleet includes units of the Bestune E05 and the GAC AION Y Plus Elite, which is shown here. The former has a range of approximately 425km, while the latter is capable of up to 490km on a single charge.
How to book rides on GrabTaxi Electric?
Rides can be booked within the app. It’s not possible to flag down Grab electric taxis on the road.
- Open the Grab app and select your pickup and drop-off locations.
- Click the drop-down menu to see the various vehicle options.
- If you’re in a coverage area, toggle on the ‘Electric Taxi’ option.
- Confirm your booking and wait for your assigned electric taxi to arrive.
How much do rides cost on GrabTaxi Electric?
GrabTaxi Electric utilizes a metered fare system similar to regular taxis, with estimates displayed on the app. A booking fee of P80 will be automatically added to the final fare.
Estimates for the same 4.7 km distance from V-Mall Greenhills in San Juan to Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig show that rides on GrabTaxi Electric have a cheaper estimated fare of P205-246 versus P282 on a standard GrabCar (4-seater) or P320 (6-seater).
What are the payment options?
Similar to other Grab services, contactless payments can be made via GrabPay, credit or debit card, or linked e-wallets. Cash payments are also accepted.
Why should you pick GrabTaxi Electric?
GrabTaxi Electric offers a sustainable and stress-free alternative to car ownership and coding days, eliminating the need for a costly second vehicle. With coding exemptions, lower operating costs, and growing availability, EV taxis promise steadier fares and smoother rides across more cities.
Grab’s phased rollout also includes in-app sustainability features, such as voluntary contributions to environmental conservation efforts and deeper partnerships with government and the private sector to accelerate nationwide EV adoption.
