Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading e-hailing platform and BYD, the world’s leading new electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, have formed a strategic partnership to expand access to up to 50,000 BYD EVs for Grab’s driver-partners across Southeast Asia.
This collaboration aims to tackle challenges in EV adoption, such as high upfront costs, and support the region’s transition to greener transportation.
Grab’s fleet partners and driver-partners will have access to BYD vehicles at competitive rates, with extended warranties on EV batteries. Drivers can rent the EVs from Grab’s fleet partners or opt for financing support through Grab’s car ownership schemes. This initiative is designed to lower financial barriers for driver-partners and provide eco-friendly options for users at no additional cost.
The partnership also integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance the experience for both drivers and passengers. BYD vehicles will feature Grab’s driver app on their head units for easier navigation and job management.
Sensor data from the vehicles will offer insights into driving patterns for safer driving, and real-time data will optimise driver allocation and improve estimated time of arrival (ETA) accuracy.
The collaboration spans Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, covering various models, including the DENZA D9, BYD ATTO3, BYD SEAL, and BYD M6 cars. The DENZA brand is set to become the cornerstone of Grab’s GrabExec fleet.