Lower operating costs are driving Iloilo taxi operators to expand their use of electric vehicles (EVs), with drivers gaining access to additional passengers through ride hailing services.
Grab is partnering with Quarry Taxi and MOMOFED Taxi to expand EV ride hailing in Western Visayas through GrabTaxi Electric, giving local EV taxi drivers another platform to serve passengers.
EV taxis can cut operating costs per kilometer by up to 75% compared with comparable internal combustion engine taxis, based on reported daily mileage of 250 to 300 kilometers.
Actual savings vary depending on charging, energy and maintenance costs.
The potential savings could help operators manage fleet expenses and give drivers more room to protect their earnings, particularly as fuel prices remain unpredictable.
“Electric mobility will succeed when it delivers real and lasting value to the communities that keep our cities moving. In Iloilo, Grab is working alongside local taxi operators and driver communities to expand economic opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and give commuters cleaner and more reliable ways to travel,” said Gines Barot, GrabCar general manager.
Quarry Taxi, operated by Feast Group Inc., is the first operator in Region 6 to introduce EVs for taxi services and is among Grab’s pilot partners for fleet electrification in Western Visayas. It is deploying Bestune NAT units for daily operations.
MOMOFED Transport Group Corp., which operates MOMOFED Taxi, is also a pilot partner. Established in 2018, the company represents local transport operators and has experience in driver representation, fleet management and Iloilo’s major commuting corridors. Its initial EV fleet consists of BYD eMAX 7 units.
Both operators provide free charging for their EV fleet drivers at their main garages and depots in Iloilo City. Drivers can also use public charging stations through Grab’s partnership with EV charging provider ACMobility.
The agreement gives GrabTaxi Electric operators and driver partners preferential rates at ACMobility chargers nationwide, reducing charging costs by as much as 45% per kilowatt hour.
In Iloilo City, drivers can locate and pay for charging at ACMobility stations in Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Robinsons Iloilo and Seda Atria through the Evro app.
Quarry Taxi Vice President Engr. Felvin Gurrea said the operator’s EV rollout combines fleet modernization with charging support and wider passenger access for drivers.
MOMOFED Taxi President Ma. Gemma Federico said the partnership allows local operators and drivers to participate in Iloilo’s shift toward cleaner mobility while continuing to serve commuters.
GrabTaxi Electric is also working with Toyota, BYD, GAC, MG and Geely to support the program with taxi models that have local Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) approvals.
The vehicle manufacturers will provide after sales and spare parts support, preferential purchasing rates, fleet warranties and priority maintenance.
The expansion gives Iloilo taxi operators another option for managing operating expenses while helping EV drivers access more passengers and charging facilities.
Photo courtesy of Grab Philippines
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