Grab Philippines has launched the Eco-Drive Initiative, a first-of-its-kind program in Southeast Asia that unites financial institutions and automotive partners to provide Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) driver-partners with faster and more affordable access to electric and hybrid vehicles.
The initiative addresses two major challenges facing the ride-hailing sector: rising fuel costs that significantly impact driver earnings, and the growing need to replace aging vehicles nearing the end of their service life. By streamlining financing and vehicle acquisition, Eco-Drive aims to help drivers transition to cleaner, more fuel-efficient options without the burden of high upfront costs or complex processes.
Central to the program is the Eco-Drive Coalition, which brings together key players across the mobility ecosystem. Banking partners BDO and BPI will offer preferential “green” auto loans designed to be more competitive than traditional financing. While banks retain full control over credit decisions, Grab supports applications by providing verified driver data such as earnings history, platform tenure, and service ratings.
On the automotive side, leading manufacturers including Toyota, BYD, GAC, Dongfeng, and Omoda & Jaecoo have committed to offering exclusive discounts on select electric and hybrid models. Additional partners such as Autohub Group—which distributes Suzuki, Kia, and MG—and QSJ Motors Philippines, Inc., the distributor of Bestune, are also participating to reduce upfront costs for drivers.
Grab serves as the central platform across the initiative, connecting driver-partners to financing and vehicle options. Drivers who opt in can access flexible daily installments through the Grab Driver Wallet, designed to match their daily earning rhythm and replace the burden of monthly lump-sum repayments. Drivers may also choose traditional monthly bank repayment if they prefer.
How Eco-Drive Works
Eco-Drive streamlines the traditionally fragmented vehicle-financing journey into a simple three-step process tailored for professional drivers:
- Step 1: Personalized Outreach. Grab contacts driver-partners whose vehicles are nearing end-of-life or loan maturity, informing them of available Eco-Drive options.
- Step 2: Simplified Application. Drivers apply via a digital Express Form or at Grab Driver Center Express Lanes. With consent, Grab shares verified earnings and service data with partner banks to speed up processing, while credit decisions remain solely with the banks.
- Step 3: Flexible Repayment. Drivers can choose daily installments through the Grab Driver Walletor opt for traditional monthly bank repayments.
Advancing the National Electrification Agenda
Eco-Drive supports national efforts to modernize transportation and promote sustainability. Eco-Drive aligns with the Philippines’ electrification goals under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and the Department of Energy’s roadmap for EV adoption
Grab emphasized that inclusivity remains a priority, noting ongoing efforts to expand access, develop fair trade-in solutions for older vehicles, and ensure that the economic benefits of electrification reach a broader base of driver-partners. The company described Eco-Drive as a foundational step toward a more sustainable and driver-centric future for mobility in the Philippines.
