Grab and BYD: Driving Southeast Asia's EV Revolution

Grab, the leading superapp in Southeast Asia, has partnered with BYD, the world's leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, to expand access to up to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) for Grab's driver-partners across the region. This strategic alliance aims to boost the electrification of the transportation sector in Southeast Asia, while increasing the availability of green vehicles for Grab users.



High upfront costs have traditionally been a barrier to EV adoption in Southeast Asia. However, through this partnership, Grab and BYD are working together to provide Grab's fleet partners and driver-partners with access to BYD vehicles at competitive rates, along with extended warranties on the EV batteries. Drivers can choose to rent these EVs from Grab's fleet partners or opt for financing support through Grab's car ownership schemes. In countries like Singapore and Thailand, Grab users can also choose to toggle on the "Eco-Friendly Ride" option, which prioritizes allocating green vehicles at no additional charge.

Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, expressed his excitement about the partnership: "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."

Deep technology integration between BYD vehicles and Grab's platform and services is a key aspect of this partnership. By installing the Grab driver application in the head unit of BYD vehicles, drivers can view their jobs, navigation, and chats all at-a-glance on a larger screen, instead of toggling back and forth on their smartphones. Sensor and telemetry data from BYD vehicles will also be integrated directly into the Grab platform, providing real-time insights into drivers' driving patterns and behaviors, which Grab can use to give guidance to drivers on how to improve their driving behavior.

Improved reliability is another benefit of this collaboration. With data like wiper signals and travel speed feeding into the Grab platform in real-time, Grab will be able to infer more quickly and accurately external conditions such as weather and traffic. This data, when fed back into Grab's algorithm, is then used to guide drivers towards areas where there is likely greater demand for rides, ensuring that there are sufficient drivers to meet spikes in passenger bookings. Real-time location data from the BYD fleet will also further boost the accuracy of Grab's backend system in deriving a more precise estimated time of arrival (ETA) for a ride.

Better navigation and routing are also expected to result from this partnership. Both companies aim to leverage Grab's hyperlocal map data and services to facilitate smoother and more efficient journeys for BYD drivers. This collaboration could also enable Grab to collect valuable road and traffic data from the vehicles, potentially enhancing its mapping services.

The partnership spans Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and covers a range of models including the DENZA D9, BYD ATTO3, BYD SEAL, and BYD M6 cars. Grab intends for DENZA, the premium electric vehicle brand from BYD, to become the cornerstone of its GrabExec fleet featuring the DENZA D9 luxury seven-seater electric MPVs. These vehicles are designed with state-of-the-art features to offer unparalleled comfort and luxury. By integrating the DENZA D9 into its fleet, Grab aims to set a new standard in executive transportation, anchored on convenience, style, and sustainability.

Chuck Kim, Managing Director of Grab's Group Business Development, stated, "Sustainable growth in Southeast Asia is a key priority for Grab, and this partnership with BYD is a significant step towards achieving that goal. By working together, we can accelerate the transition to zero-emission modes of transport and provide our users with more eco-friendly ride options."

This partnership aligns with Grab's overall strategy and long-term vision by promoting sustainability, supporting driver-partners, enhancing technological integration, expanding its reach, and staying ahead of market trends. By embracing this trend, Grab positions itself as a forward-thinking company that caters to the evolving needs of its users and the broader market.