For logistics startups and delivery aggregators, the volatility of fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle maintenance are constant threats to the bottom line. Enter Voltai, a new contender in the EV space that promises to solve these pain points through a “swap-and-go” ecosystem designed specifically for Philippine roads.
A startup venture under 1882 Energy Ventures (a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp), Voltai recently unveiled its inaugural 2kW electric two-wheeler, the AP01, along with a network of battery-swapping stations. The launch, held at a Cleanfuel station in Pasig City, offered industry leaders and fleet operators a first look at a system built to minimize downtime.
Zero downtime, maximum visibility
Time is money in the delivery business. During the pilot preview, participants from the logistics, food and beverage, and ride-hailing sectors tested the AP01’s capabilities. The standout feature was the speed of turnover: Rather than waiting hours for a charge, riders can replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one in mere minutes.
This ecosystem is supported by a dedicated mobile app integrated with Google Maps. For fleet managers, this provides crucial data transparency, allowing them to track battery health, vehicle location, and performance in real-time.
“The Voltai pilot preview marks the first step toward building the future of fleet e-mobility in the Philippines—smarter, cleaner, and more cost-efficient,” said 1882 Energy Ventures head of ideation and Voltai co-founder and CEO Fazlur Abdul Rahman. “As a business-to-business solution, it addresses downtime, frequent maintenance, and fuel cost challenges for fleet businesses and riders, while also providing remote visibility on utilization.”
OpEx-friendly model for startups
Perhaps the most attractive proposition for cash-conscious startups is Voltai’s business model. Instead of requiring a massive capital expenditure to purchase a fleet, Voltai operates on a leasing model with a fixed fee.
This structure shields businesses from the unpredictability of rising vehicle costs and fuel price hikes. It allows companies to scale their fleets sustainably without the burden of heavy upfront investments or the worry of degrading assets. Furthermore, the transition to electric drive trains significantly lowers maintenance costs compared to traditional internal combustion engines.
Currently in its pilot stage, Voltai has already secured strategic partnerships to ensure accessibility. The company has collaborated with fuel retailer Cleanfuel and co-living brand MyTown to install 15 battery-swapping stations across their locations.
The company plans to expand its footprint further into Metro Manila and nearby provinces by next year, alongside the establishment of comprehensive after-sales support.
“We are very excited to share Voltai to the Philippine market and provide businesses with fleet requirements a competitive edge through lower costs, higher efficiency, and reduced emissions without the need to shoulder heavy upfront costs,” shared Rahman.
Voltai is part of the broader push by 1882 Energy Ventures to shape the decarbonization and decentralization of the Philippine energy system.
To know more about Voltai electric 2-wheeled vehicles, visit its website: https://www.voltai.ph/.
Banner image from www.voltai.ph.