Sign up by email for daily news updates from CleanTechnica. Or follow us on Google News!
Super AppGrab, the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia, and BYD, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, have formed major regional partnerships to impress the local transportation environment.
The ambitious agreement aims to deploy up to 50,000 BYD EVs across Grab’s network. This is a move that is poised to accelerate adoption of EVs in Southeast Asia and rebuild urban mobility.
“Sustainable growth in Southeast Asia is a priority for us,” said Chuck Kim, Grab’s Group Business Development Managing Director. “This collaboration will drive the transition to EVS by lowering financial barriers that are often associated with EVs, bringing economic benefits to driver partners, including fuel costs savings in the long term. ” Kim stressed the importance of working with “a trusted partner like BYD, who is committed to providing high quality vehicles and services.”
A key hurdle to EV adoption in the region was the substantial advance costs. The Grab-Byd Partnership aims to dismantle this barrier by providing Grab’s fleet partners and drivers with access to BYD vehicles at a competitive rate. Drivers have the flexibility to rent EVs through Grab’s fleet partners and can explore funding options through Grab’s car ownership program.
The initiative underscores Grub’s commitment to fostering the transition to zero emission transport for drivers. In markets like Singapore and Thailand, riders can already opt for “green vehicles” and prioritize EVs without paying additional fees.
Collaboration doesn’t just provide vehicles. Grab and BYD are deeply invested in technology integration and are committed to connecting vehicles seamlessly to Grab’s platform and services. This integration promises to increase safety, improve driver experience and increase the overall reliability of Grab’s services.
Imagine a driver displaying navigation, job details and communications on a larger screen integrated into the dashboard of a BYD vehicle, rather than switching smartphones. This is just an example of a planned integration. Real-time data from the vehicle, including sensor measurements and telemetry, flows directly into Grab’s system, providing valuable insight into the 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 to drive the transition to electric vehicles in the region.” said Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales. “As the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer, BYD is best integrated with our technology with Grab and looks forward to providing a unique and unparalleled experience for drivers and users.”
Real-time data such as wiper usage and vehicle speed allow for a more accurate understanding of weather and traffic conditions, allowing for more efficient driver delivery and more accurate arrival times. Grab’s mapping data and services are also integrated to provide a smoother and more efficient route for BYD drivers. Data collected from these vehicles could further refine Grab’s mapping capabilities.
The partnership has spread throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and will showcase models such as the Denza D9, BYD ATTO 3, BYD Seal, and BYD M6. In particular, Grab aims to present BYD’s premium electric MPV, the Denza D9, as the flagship vehicle of the Grabexec service, offering riders more luxurious and sustainable riding options. This collaboration marks an important step towards a greener future for Southeast Asia’s transportation.
Use your tip for a few dollars a month to support independent CleanTech coverage that helps accelerate CleanTech Revolution! Do you have any tips for CleanTechnica? Want to promote? Want to suggest guests for CleanTech Talk Podcasts? Please contact us here. Sign up to our Daily Newsletter for 15 new CleanTech stories a day. Or, if your daily life is getting more frequent, sign up for one of your weekly things. advertisement
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. Please see this policy.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy