Grab and BYD have announced a regional partnership to provide up to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) to driver-partners across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. The collaboration aims to address key challenges in EV adoption, such as high upfront costs, while supporting the region’s transition to greener transportation.
Under the agreement, Grab driver-partners will have access to BYD vehicles through rental options provided by its fleet partners or financing schemes offered by the platform. Extended warranties on EV batteries are also included to alleviate concerns about long-term maintenance. In Singapore and Thailand, Grab users can prioritise green transportation through the “Eco-Friendly Ride” option at no additional cost, further encouraging the use of environmentally friendly vehicles.
The partnership also focuses on integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance the overall experience for both drivers and passengers. BYD vehicles will feature Grab’s driver app on their head units, enabling easier access to navigation, job management, and communication tools. Sensor data from the vehicles will provide insights into driving patterns, enabling the e-hailing service provider to offer guidance for safer driving.
Grab adds that real-time data collected from BYD vehicles, such as weather and traffic conditions, will feed into its platform to optimise driver allocation and improve estimated time of arrival (ETA) accuracy. This integration also leverages the e-hailing giant’s hyperlocal mapping services to streamline navigation and routing, ensuring more efficient journeys for drivers and passengers alike.
Apart from Singapore and Thailand, this partnership extends to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. BYD will be providing a variety of EV models for this, including the Atto 3, Seal and M6, while the Denza D9 is also slated to be introduced as part of Grab’s premium GrabExec fleet somewhere down the line.
Representatives from both companies have emphasised the collaboration’s role in advancing EV adoption in Southeast Asia. BYD expressed its commitment to supporting Grab’s transition to zero-emission transport, while Grab highlighted the initiative’s potential to lower financial barriers for driver-partners and provide eco-friendly options for users.
However, Grab has not yet announced specific plans for Malaysia under this partnership. Hopefully, further details may be shared in the future as the initiative progresses.
(Source: Grab press release)
