Grab & BYD Partner to Shift EV Ride-Hailing in Southeast Asia

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Super-app Grab, the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia, and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD have forged a major regional partnership to electrify the region’s transportation landscape.

The ambitious agreement aims to deploy up to 50,000 BYD EVs across Grab’s network, a move poised to accelerate EV adoption and reshape urban mobility in Southeast Asia.

“Sustainable growth in Southeast Asia is a priority for us,” said Chuck Kim, Managing Director, Group Business Development at Grab. “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.” Kim emphasized the importance of working with “a reliable partner like BYD who are committed to delivering high quality vehicles and services.” 

A key hurdle to EV adoption in the region has been the substantial upfront cost. The Grab-BYD partnership aims to dismantle this barrier by offering Grab’s fleet partners and drivers access to BYD vehicles at competitive rates, complemented by extended battery warranties. Drivers will have the flexibility to rent EVs through Grab’s fleet partners or explore financing options via Grab’s car ownership programs.

This initiative underscores Grab’s commitment to facilitating its drivers’ shift to zero-emission transportation. In markets like Singapore and Thailand, riders can already opt for “Eco-Friendly Rides,” prioritizing EVs without incurring additional charges.

The collaboration goes beyond simply providing vehicles. Grab and BYD are deeply invested in technological integration, working to seamlessly connect the vehicles with Grab’s platform and services. This integration promises to enhance safety, improve the driver experience, and boost the overall reliability of Grab’s services.

Imagine drivers viewing navigation, job details, and communication on a larger screen integrated into the BYD vehicle’s dashboard, rather than toggling on their smartphones. This is just one example of the planned integration. Real-time data from the vehicles, including sensor readings and telemetry, will flow directly into Grab’s system, providing valuable insights into driving patterns that can be used for driver feedback and training.

“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,” said Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division. “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.”   

Real-time data, such as wiper usage and vehicle speed, will give Grab a more accurate understanding of conditions like weather and traffic, enabling more efficient driver dispatch and more precise arrival time estimations. Grab’s mapping data and services will also be integrated to provide smoother, more efficient routes for BYD drivers. The data collected from these vehicles has the potential to further refine Grab’s mapping capabilities.

The partnership spans across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and will feature models like the DENZA D9, BYD ATTO 3, BYD SEAL, and BYD M6. Notably, Grab intends to feature the DENZA D9, BYD’s premium electric MPV, as the flagship vehicle of its GrabExec service, offering riders a more luxurious and sustainable ride-hailing option. The collaboration signals a significant step towards a greener future for transportation in Southeast Asia.