In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Grab and BYD have announced a regional partnership to provide up to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) to Grab drivers across Southeast Asia, expanding access to greener ride options for passengers.
Customers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam will soon see more BYD models like the DENZA D9, ATTO3, SEAL, and M6 when they book their future trips on Grab.
The partnership aims to address the high upfront cost of EVs, a major barrier to adoption in Southeast Asia. Grab and BYD will offer competitive rates and extended warranties on EV batteries, making EV ownership more accessible to Grab drivers. Drivers can choose to rent EVs from Grab’s fleet partners or utilize Grab’s car ownership financing options. This initiative aligns with Grab’s commitment to promoting zero-emission transportation. Additionally, in markets like Singapore and Thailand, Grab users can prioritize green rides through the “Eco-Friendly Ride” option at no extra cost.
Grab also plans to use the DENZA D9, a luxury seven-seater electric MPV, as the foundation of its GrabExec fleet. These vehicles are equipped with advanced features to provide exceptional comfort and luxury. By incorporating the DENZA D9, Grab aims to redefine executive transportation with a focus on convenience, style, and sustainability.
Additionally, the two brands will collaborate on deep Internet of Things (IoT) integration to enhance the driver experience and improve service reliability. Key features will include:
- In-vehicle driver application: Seamlessly access Grab services on the BYD vehicle’s head unit.
- Enhanced safety: Real-time data analysis for improved driver behavior and safety.
- Improved reliability: Real-time data for better demand prediction and ETA accuracy.
- Enhanced navigation: Leverage Grab’s map data for optimized routes and improved mapping services.
Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager, BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, shared, “We are excited to partner with Grab as the leading on-demand transport provider in Southeast Asia and push forward the transition to electric vehicles in the region. BYD, as the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, will best integrate our technology with Grab’s, and we look forward to working with them to deliver a unique and unparalleled experience for their drivers and users. We continue to be dedicated to our goal of building a zero-emission ecosystem and we are committed to supporting Grab’s fleet and driver-partners. Through this collaboration, we are working together with Grab to realize the vision of cooling the earth by one degree.”
Chuck Kim, Managing Director, Group Business Development, Grab, highlighted how this partnership supports the brand’s sustainable growth strategy: “Sustainable growth in Southeast Asia is a priority for us and we are always looking to improve our offerings to both our driver-partners and Grab users. This collaboration enables us to drive the transition to EVs forward by lowering the financial barriers that are often associated with EVs, and in the long run deliver economic benefits to our driver-partners which may include fuel cost savings. We are confident that a reliable partner like BYD who are committed to delivering high quality vehicles and services allows us to showcase the benefits of EVs and make green transportation an accessible option to everyone.”
