Grab ties up with BYD to expand EV fleet in Southeast Asia

The partnership would provide Grab drivers and fleet partners with access to BYD vehicles at "the most competitive rates," Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia quoted the companies’ announcement as saying.

Drivers can either rent the EVs from owners, also known as fleet partners, or access financing support through Grab’s car ownership schemes. Extended battery warranties will also be included as part of the deal.

The collaboration will be rolled out in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Grab operates in eight countries, the other two being Cambodia and Myanmar.

"This collaboration enables us to drive the transition to EVs forward by lowering the financial barriers that are often associated with EVs," Chuk Kim, managing director of group business development at Grab, said. "And, in the long run deliver economic benefits to our driver-partners which may include fuel cost savings."

The Grab app will come pre-installed in the head unit of BYD vehicles, allowing drivers to access bookings, maps and chats on a larger screen. Integrated sensor data, including wiper signals and travel speed, will help Grab infer weather and traffic conditions, guiding drivers to high-demand areas.

"BYD, as the world's leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, will best integrate our technology with Grab's," Liu Xueliang, general manager of the Chinese company’s Asia-Pacific auto sales division, said.

"We look forward to working with them to deliver a unique and unparalleled experience for their drivers and users."

Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing industry is shifting toward greener mobility. Grab has pledged to fully convert its Singapore fleet to low-emission vehicles by 2030, targeting carbon neutrality by 2040.

In Indonesia, Gojek plans to transition its two-wheeler fleet to electric bikes by 2030.

Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup’s Green and Smart Mobility launched electric taxis in Jakarta last year after debuting in Vietnam and Laos.