Grab is deepening its push into electric vehicles (EVs) through a strategic partnership with Chinese carmaker GAC, which will see 20,000 electric cars deployed across its Southeast Asian fleets.
Under the agreement, Grab will introduce three of GAC’s electric car models — the AION Y, AION ES and AION V — across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
The three models were selected for their ability to meet diverse use cases across the region. The AION Y is positioned as an electric taxi option with a practical interior suited to premium airport transfers. The AION V combines long range with a spacious cabin and carries a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, while the AION ES is known for its efficient range and ergonomic configuration and has grown in popularity as an electric taxi alongside the AION Y.
As part of the collaboration, the Grab driver app will be integrated directly into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system, allowing navigation and Grab information to be displayed on a larger, easy-to-read screen.
“[The integration will enable] our driver-partners to receive timely and important data, such as precise navigation and safety alerts, in a more ergonomic way. This ensures a more seamless and intuitive experience that reduces our driver-partners’ cognitive load, while advancing our shared commitment to carbon neutrality and a sustainable future,” said Philipp Kandal, chief product officer at Grab.
Driver-partners will have the option to rent the electric vehicles from Grab’s fleet partners or tap financing support through Grab’s car ownership schemes. The companies said they are also committed to exploring further technological innovations and expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the region.
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Facilitating driver-partners’ transition to low- or zero-emission vehicles is a key part of Grab’s emissions-reduction-first, inclusive approach to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
For GAC, the collaboration supports its strategy of “Tech-Driven GAC, Advancing Global Reach with a Full-Chain Ecosystem”, which focuses on building an integrated ecosystem of electric vehicles, services and operational capabilities. By leveraging Grab’s regional reach, GAC aims to gain exposure to millions of users, deepen its understanding of Southeast Asian markets and better tailor its offerings to local demand.
