What Is GrabTaxi Electric?
GrabTaxi Electric launched in June 2025 as a beta, with EV Taxi Corp operating what was described as the country's first fully electric on-demand taxi fleet recognized by the LTFRB. It built on a BYD pilot that started in June 2024. In April 2026, the service expanded with seven operators: EV Taxi Corporation, EnviroCab, TaxiKo Transport Services, KateMikylla, CMAIII, ManilaTrans Taxi Corp and Sun & Bin Transportation Corporation, deploying hundreds of hybrid and electric units as fuel prices surged.
For riders, the pitch is simple: a regular metered taxi experience in a quieter, air-conditioned EV, booked inside the same Grab app you already use. If you also compare other ways to get around, our guide on saving money on Grab and ride-hailing apps covers GrabCar, GrabTaxi and JoyRide side by side.
GrabTaxi Electric Booking Rates and Fees
GrabTaxi Electric fares follow LTFRB-regulated metered taxi rates, so there is no Grab-style dynamic pricing on the meter itself. The figures below are the ones reported in public coverage. Sources do not fully agree, so treat them as a guide and rely on the upfront estimate in the app.
| Fare component | Reported amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Flag-down | PHP 50 for the first 500 m | GizGuide, July 2025 (beta) |
| Per kilometer | PHP 13.50 | GizGuide, July 2025 |
| Per minute | PHP 2.00 per 60 seconds | GizGuide, July 2025 |
| Booking fee | PHP 69 | GizGuide, July 2025 |
| Booking fee | PHP 80, added automatically | TopGear sponsored explainer, Oct 2025 |
| Older LTFRB metro taxi rate | PHP 40 flag-down, PHP 13.50/km, PHP 2/min | LTFRB, 2017 to 2018 |
Two things stand out. The booking fee has been reported at both PHP 69 and PHP 80, and the flag-down at both PHP 40 (older LTFRB order) and PHP 50 (beta reporting). We could not find a newer official order that settles it, so the in-app estimate is the number to trust. For a sample trip, GizGuide reported SM North EDSA to SM Megamall at PHP 319 for a standard 4-seater and PHP 294 to 353 for the electric option.
GrabTaxi Electric vs GrabCar vs Green GSM
TopGear's 2026 comparison of a roughly 10 km trip from Gateway Mall to SM MOA estimated GrabCar at PHP 560, GrabTaxi Electric at PHP 435 to 522 and Green GSM at PHP 298 to 372. These estimates exclude surge, booking fees and traffic. In plain terms, an electric taxi can save a meaningful amount over GrabCar on longer trips, while a Green GSM style taxi can be cheaper still when one is available nearby. Our inDrive vs Grab comparison shows how another ride-hailing option stacks up on price.
How to Use GrabTaxi Electric: Complete Booking Guide
- Open the Grab app and make sure it is updated to the latest version.
- Tap the Transport tab and choose the Taxi option.
- Toggle on "Electric taxi" so the app searches for EV units only.
- Enter your pickup and drop-off inside a covered area (see the list below).
- Review the upfront estimate and booking fee, then pick your payment method.
- Book, meet the taxi at your pin and confirm the plate and driver details before boarding.
Electric taxis cannot be flagged on the road, so a booking through the app is the only way to ride one. Pay with whatever options appear at checkout. Paying through GCash or Maya linked to your Grab wallet can be a handy way to keep track of ride spending, where the app supports it.
Where GrabTaxi Electric Operates
Coverage reported around the April 2026 expansion includes Makati, Taguig, Pasig, Pateros, Marikina, Manila, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasay and select areas of Paranaque and Quezon City. Plans for Cebu and Davao have been mentioned, though no launch date was confirmed in the coverage we found. Availability depends on how many EV units are online near you, so waiting times can vary by hour and area.
Latest GrabTaxi Electric News
- June 2024: A BYD-based EV taxi pilot starts, laying the groundwork for the service.
- June 2025: GrabTaxi Electric launches in beta with EV Taxi Corp.
- October 2025: A sponsored TopGear explainer details booking and fees.
- April 2026: Seven Filipino-owned operators join, deploying hundreds of EV and hybrid taxis as fuel prices climb. Operators claim 75 to 87 percent lower cost per kilometer compared with fuel-powered units. These are operator figures, not independent measurements.
- 2026: The service is still labeled beta, with Cebu and Davao mentioned as possible next areas.
What Riders and the Press Are Saying
We looked for independent passenger reviews and forum threads and did not find a meaningful set of them yet. Most of what is published comes from launch coverage and sponsored explainers, which describe a smoother, quieter ride and lower running costs for operators. Since the service is still in beta, the most reliable feedback is your own: check the app's trip ratings and the Grab app store reviews, and share your experience with other commuters. We will update this section as more rider feedback appears.
Tips to Spend Less on EV Taxi Rides
Compare the upfront estimate against GrabCar for the same trip, because the metered electric taxi often comes out lower on longer rides. Avoid peak hours when traffic inflates the per-minute charge, and book from a spot where the taxi does not need to cross heavy traffic to reach you. For more everyday ideas, see our transportation savings guide.
Sources
Figures in this guide come from GizGuide, TopGear Philippines, Inquirer Business, Manila Bulletin, GMA News, Tribune, Autocar Philippines and PhilSTAR Life coverage of GrabTaxi Electric from 2025 to 2026. Fares and fees can change, so confirm in the Grab app before you ride.