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 its driver-partners across the region. This strategic alliance aims to tackle the key barrier to EV adoption – high upfront costs – while supporting Grab's commitment to helping driver-partners transition to zero-emission modes of transport.

Through this collaboration, Grab and BYD will provide Grab's fleet partners and driver-partners with access to affordable BYD vehicles, featuring extended warranties on the EV vehicles' batteries. Drivers can choose to rent these EVs from Grab's fleet partners or opt for financing support through Grab's car ownership schemes. Additionally, Grab users in countries like Singapore and Thailand can select the "Eco-Friendly Ride" option at no additional charge, prioritizing green vehicles for their rides.

The partnership will also focus on deep technological integration to enhance Grab's services. BYD vehicles will integrate with Grab's platform through IoT, providing real-time data on driving patterns and behaviors. This data will help improve driver safety and overall experience, with features like larger screens displaying jobs, navigation, and chats directly in the vehicle's head unit. Real-time data, such as weather and traffic conditions, will also help improve ride reliability and route optimization, ensuring better estimated time of arrival (ETA) accuracy and efficient navigation.

The partnership spans six Southeast Asian countries – 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, BYD's premium electric vehicle brand, 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, setting a new standard in executive transportation anchored on convenience, style, and sustainability.

Chuck Kim, Managing Director, Group Business Development, Grab, said, "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."

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

This partnership aligns with Grab's broader sustainability goals and strategy, as it promotes the adoption of cleaner energy, reduces carbon footprint, supports national EV targets, and contributes to Grab's overall commitment to sustainability through its GrabForGood initiative. By expanding its EV fleet, Grab is taking a proactive approach to reducing its environmental impact and addressing environmental challenges in Southeast Asia.