Grab intends to strengthen its ride-hailing operations by having an electric vehicle (EV) fleet. To do just that, Grab has partnered with GAC to deploy an initial 20,000 EVs across Southeast Asia, which includes the Philippines.
The new partnership between Grab and GAC will include the deployment of three GAC EVs, specifically the Aion Y, Aion ES, and Aion V. These GAC EVs will be integrated into Grab’s fleet and launched across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. Grab said that this partnership aligns with GAC’s global strategy that envisions an integrated ecosystem of products, services, and operational capabilities for EVs.
Other than providing EVs for Grab’s fleet, the partnership between the two companies includes enhancing the overall user experience for Grab’s driver-partners. For one, the Grab driver app will be integrated into GAC’s infotainment touchscreen system.
This integration is said to allow Grab’s driver-partners to view road navigation and receive information from Grab, such as guidance on high-demand areas and safety alerts for hazardous conditions. Grab said that by eliminating the need to toggle between devices, driver-partners can accept trips seamlessly, reduce eye strain, and focus more on road safety.
“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,” Grab Chief Product Officer Philipp Kandal said.
Meanwhile, Grab driver-partners will also have the option of renting the EVs from Grab’s fleet partners or opting for financing support through Grab’s car ownership schemes.
Grab added that GAC seeks to reach more potential customers by being Grab’s EV fleet. Through this partnership, the Chinese automaker intends to gain greater brand awareness and a deeper market understanding of the region to more accurately meet its demands.
In the Philippines, GAC is offering Aion EVs such as the Aion V, a five-seater crossover SUV that’s designed for urban families and professionals. It is equipped with GAC’s Magazine Battery 2.0 and delivers a CLTC-rated range of 520 km. The brand shared that it can charge from 30 percent to 80 percent in just under 20 minutes via DC fast charging.
Grab has also previously added Changan NEVO EVs to boost its electric push in the Philippines.
