Chinese automaker BYD has announced its plan to deliver 50,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Grab’s driver partners across Southeast Asia. The collaboration will span key markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, according to a report by Liputan6.com.

The initiative includes various BYD models such as the Denza D9, Atto 3, Seal, and M6, which offer a balance of performance and functionality. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability.

“We remain dedicated to building a zero-emission ecosystem and supporting Grab's fleet and driver partners. This collaboration helps us realize our vision of cooling the Earth by one degree,” Liu stated in a press release on January 15, 2025, as cited by Liputan6.com.

Under this agreement, BYD will provide competitive preferential pricing for Grab’s fleet and driver partners. Additionally, the automaker will offer extended EV battery warranties, ensuring reliable performance over the long term. Grab’s driver partners will also have access to discounted vehicle rentals or financing support through the company’s Car Ownership Scheme.

In markets like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, Grab plans to introduce an “Eco-Friendly Rides” option, allowing passengers to prioritize NEVs for their trips without incurring extra costs. The collaboration also extends to integrating BYD’s vehicles with Grab’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform, optimizing navigation, route planning, and data management for enhanced operational efficiency.

Chuck Kim, Managing Director of Grab Group Business Development, emphasized the long-term benefits for drivers. “This collaboration accelerates the transition to EVs by addressing financial barriers. Over time, it will bring economic benefits to our driver partners, including fuel cost savings,” he explained.

The partnership further cements BYD’s position in Southeast Asia, where Indonesia remains a crucial market. BYD has made significant strides in the region, including its 2019 collaboration with Blue Bird to deploy 200 EV taxis, marking the largest pure EV taxi project in Indonesia at the time.

In 2024, BYD officially entered Indonesia’s passenger NEV market with models like the Dolphin, Seal, and Atto 3. Thailand has also emerged as a key market for BYD, with the automaker leading the country’s EV sales in 2024, capturing more than one-third of the market share. The company’s regional expansion includes a manufacturing facility in Thailand and ongoing construction of a second assembly plant in Cambodia.

Through this large-scale collaboration, BYD and Grab aim to advance sustainable mobility solutions while addressing the growing demand for affordable and environmentally friendly transportation in Southeast\ Asia.

PHOTO: DEALERBYD