Based on Statista, There are more than 73,000 private-hire vehicles on the road. This is since the inception of Uber, Grab, Gojek into the Singapore market in 2013.
The number is so huge that it outnumbers traditional taxi by 1 to 5 times, Private-hire vs Taxi, which is better? With so many private-hire vehicles on the road, which is the best choice of vehicle that can meet the requirement of PHV
The Electric Car
Fuel consumption – Relies purely on battery charging. A full charge from empty takes almost 2 hours and has a range of 400km. EV Taxi are still not popular yet due to the challenges in EV charger infrastructure
Who should drive this – Full-time private-hire drivers who drive at least 180 trips a week, HDT taxi which has since closed down is using such platform. LTA has mentioned they are on track to meet the Electric charger installation target.
Pros –
- Zero petrol cost
- Reduce your carbon footprint
- New cars
Cons –
- Charging time can take up to 2 hours for a full charge
- Limited charging points
- Almost all electric cars are pasted with PHV decal so you are as visible as a Taxi
Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.
The Hybrid Machine
Average Fuel consumption – 20km/l to 25km/l
Who should drive this – Full-time private-hire drivers who drive at least 180 trips a week
Pros-
Fuel efficient = Save money on petrol
New car
Cons-
- High rental cost as a result of sky-high demand from Drivers
What cars are in this category – Toyota Prius. Honda Shuttle hybrid, Honda Vezel Hybrid, Toyota Axio Hybrid, Honda Grace Hybrid
Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.
The Unfair Advantage of being Big
Average Fuel consumption – 10km/L to 12km/L
Who should drive this – Part-time/ Full-time Drivers focused more on fare than incentives
Pros –
- Advantage of receiving higher fares from 6 seater rides, 6seaterEconomy, 6seaterFamily trip requests
- More trips request than standard 4-seaters
- Comfort creature – No need to squeeze when you have a full house GrabShare trip
Cons –
- Not as fuel-efficient as the Hybrids and compact cars
Cars in this category – Toyota Wish, Honda Stream, Honda Crossroad, Toyota Sienta,
Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.
Old-School Fuel Efficient Machine
Average Fuel consumption – 13km/l to 16km/l
Who should drive this – Drivers who drive up to 80 trips a week
Pros –
- Affordable rental
- Easy to drive
Cons –
- Older cars
- Limited cabin space
Cars in this category – Honda Jaz/Fit, Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Attrage
Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.
The odd kid on the block
Average Fuel consumption – 16km/l to 18km/l
Who should drive this – Full-time private-hire drivers who drive at least 180 trips a week
Pros –
- Above average fuel consumption
- Powerful engine
- Cheap diesel cost
- New car
Cons –
- Higher rental cost
- Limited units in the market
Cars in this category – Ssanyong Tivoli, Opel Mokka, Seat Toledo
Html code here! Replace this with any non empty text and that's it.
Confused on what car to drive? see what are the most popular cars that Gojek/Grab Drivers are driving in Singapore.
If you are keen to join the PHV industry driver, do familiarize yourself with how to get started with PDVL
