Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has entered a strategic partnership with BYD to introduce up to 50,000 BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to Grab’s platform, enhancing access to sustainable transportation options for driver-partners and users across the region.
The collaboration aims to address one of the biggest hurdles to EV adoption in Southeast Asia: high upfront costs. Through this partnership, Grab’s fleet partners and driver-partners will benefit from competitive rates and extended warranties on BYD EV batteries. Drivers can either rent these vehicles from Grab’s fleet partners or access financing support through Grab’s car ownership programs. This initiative underscores Grab’s commitment to accelerating the shift toward zero-emission transportation.
In markets like Singapore and Thailand, Grab users can opt for “Eco-Friendly Rides” at no extra cost, prioritizing green vehicles when booking a ride.
Driving a Zero-Emission Future
Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, expressed excitement over the partnership: “Partnering with Grab, the leading on-demand transport provider in Southeast Asia, aligns perfectly with BYD’s mission of building a zero-emission ecosystem. By combining our advanced technology with Grab’s extensive platform, we aim to deliver exceptional experiences for both drivers and passengers. Together, we are taking meaningful steps toward our shared vision of cooling the earth by one degree.”
Integrating Technology for Smarter, Safer Rides
The partnership will also focus on integrating BYD’s vehicle technology with Grab’s digital ecosystem to enhance operational efficiency and user experience:
- Intuitive Driving Experience: The Grab driver app will be embedded into BYD vehicles’ head units, allowing drivers to manage bookings, navigation, and communication on a larger screen. Additionally, sensor and telemetry data will provide real-time insights to help improve driving behavior.
- Enhanced Ride Reliability: BYD’s sensor data, such as wiper activity and travel speeds, will feed directly into Grab’s platform. This enables more accurate predictions of weather and traffic conditions, optimizing driver allocation and ensuring quicker response times for passenger bookings.
- Better Navigation and Mapping: Grab will use hyperlocal mapping data and real-time traffic insights from BYD vehicles to improve route efficiency and refine its mapping services.
Premium Electric Vehicles for Executive Rides
The partnership spans six countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It includes several BYD models, such as the DENZA D9, BYD ATTO3, BYD SEAL, and BYD M6.
Grab plans to position DENZA, BYD’s premium EV brand, as the cornerstone of its GrabExec fleet. The DENZA D9 luxury seven-seater MPV will offer state-of-the-art features, ensuring a superior experience that blends comfort, style, and sustainability.
Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
Chuck Kim, Managing Director of Group Business Development at Grab, highlighted the collaboration’s impact: “Sustainability is at the core of Grab’s growth strategy in Southeast Asia. This partnership with BYD allows us to lower financial barriers to EV adoption for our driver-partners while providing fuel cost savings and other economic benefits. With BYD’s high-quality EVs, we can make green transportation more accessible and continue delivering exceptional service to our users.”
