Manila’s Ride-Hailing Expansion Opens Only for EVs as Philippines Pushes 2040 Goal

Metro Manila’s ride-hailing sector is set for a significant expansion, but only electric vehicles will be allowed to fill the new slots. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has announced that additional TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Service) slots will be reserved exclusively for EVs, effectively barring internal combustion engine cars from the new allocation.

The decision underscores how the Philippines’ long-term electrification strategy is already translating into concrete market rules. The country aims to have a fully electric vehicle fleet by 2040, and the LTFRB’s move shows that regulators are willing to use licensing mechanisms to accelerate the shift. By excluding ICE vehicles from the new slots, the board is nudging operators and drivers toward zero-emission choices.

For the ride-hailing industry, the mandate could reshape fleet planning in the capital region. Operators looking to expand will need to invest in electric models, while those relying on conventional vehicles may find fewer opportunities. The policy also signals to automakers and charging infrastructure providers that demand for EVs in the commercial transport segment is likely to grow.