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Grab, which expanded its electric vehicle services in Thailand last year, announced a collaboration with BYD to introduce 50,000 EVs across Southeast Asia on Jan. 15. (Photo: Grab)
Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab has announced plans to expand its electric vehicle fleet and has formed a strategic partnership with Chinese automaker BYD. The goal is to add 50,000 electric vehicles across six Southeast Asian countries to meet its 2040 carbon neutrality target.
Grab aims to lower EV costs
To reduce the upfront costs of transitioning from gasoline vehicles to electric ones, Grab has deepened its collaboration with BYD. The company promises to offer "the most competitive rates" for drivers to lease or finance BYD electric vehicles, with extended battery warranty periods.
The 50,000 electric vehicles will be deployed across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, including models such as the BYD Denza D9 van, BYD Atto 3 SUV, BYD Seal, and BYD M6.
Chuck Kim, Grab’s Chief Business Development Officer, stated in a press release that sustainable growth in ASEAN is a top priority for the company. "in the long run deliver economic benefits to our driver-partners which may include fuel cost savings."
Grab and BYD strengthen electric vehicle cooperation in Southeast Asia. (Photo: Grab)
Ride-hailing platforms push for vehicle electrification
Additionally, Grab and BYD are strengthening their technical collaboration. For instance, Grab’s app will be integrated into BYD electric vehicles, allowing drivers to operate it directly from the vehicle’s screen. Grab will also collect weather and traffic data from sensors in the vehicles to better predict ride demand and optimize driver deployment.
Both companies aim to enhance "hyperlocal map data" — highly localized, accurate map services — to help BYD drivers provide more efficient rides.
In recent years, ride-hailing platforms have actively adopted electric vehicles. In 2024, Grab announced plans to add 1,000 electric vehicles in Indonesia, most of which will come from BYD.
Meanwhile, Grab’s rival GoJek is focusing on the two-wheeler market and plans to convert its entire fleet to electric motorcycles by 2030, even establishing a joint venture to manufacture them.
Last month, Vingroup from Vietnam launched an electric taxi service in Indonesia, leveraging its advantage as an electric vehicle manufacturer to expand its presence in Southeast Asia.
