Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading super app, has partnered with GAC a global electric vehicle (EV) company. Together, they plan to introduce 20,000 electric vehicles across Southeast Asia.
This partnership is not just about adding more EVs. Grab and GAC will also connect their systems to improve the in-car experience for Grab’s driver-partners and passengers.
They are also looking at ways to provide better after-sales service and vehicle support for Grab’s fleet, making it easier for drivers to maintain their vehicles.
To begin, Grab will add three popular GAC EV models — Aion Y, Aion ES, and Aion V — in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. These vehicles are designed for ride-hailing, with wide-opening doors and spacious back seats to offer a more comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers.
This new partnership fits well with GAC’s global growth strategy, which focuses on using technology and a complete ecosystem of products and services to expand its electric vehicle business worldwide.
As part of the collaboration, the Grab driver app will be built directly into GAC’s smart car system. This means Grab drivers will be able to see maps, high-demand areas, safety alerts and trip information right on the car’s large dashboard screen. They won’t need to switch between phones and car systems, making it easier to accept rides, reduce eye strain, and stay focused on driving safely.
Grab drivers can choose to rent these EVs from Grab’s fleet partners or use Grab’s financing plans to own a vehicle. In the future, Grab and GAC will also work together on new technologies and continue expanding the use of electric vehicles across Southeast Asia.
Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, said, “At Grab, we are constantly seeking innovations that empower our driver-partners. By integrating the Grab driver app directly into the GAC cockpit display, our driver-partners can 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.”
By using Grab’s wide network across Southeast Asia, GAC will be able to reach millions of users. This will help GAC increase its brand awareness and better understand what customers in the region need, so it can offer more suitable products and services.
The electric vehicle market in Southeast Asia is growing fast. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), EV sales in the region increased by almost 50% in 2024. Helping Grab drivers move to low- or zero-emission vehicles is an important part of Grab’s plan to cut emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2040.
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