- Grab and GAC will deploy about 20,000 EVs across Grab’s Southeast Asia fleet
- Grab’s driver app will be integrated into GAC vehicles’ in-car systems
- Drivers will get flexible EV rental and ownership options
Grab and GAC just formed a strategic alliance that will stimulate the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Grab e-hailing fleet across Southeast Asia.
The partnership is limited to the increase of the number of vehicles but rather it is making an impact by achieving great system integration which will enhance the experience of driver-partners and also improve the operational efficiency, support and even after sales service.
In the first stage of the rollout, a total of 20,000 EVs will be dispersed throughout the region that will consist of three GAC models namely: the Aion Y, Aion ES, and Aion V. These cars will be available in the main Southeast Asian markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
Grab believes that the chosen models are very advantageous for the ride-hailing business, especially because they have 90-degree door openings for easier entering and exiting and also the back legroom is very spacious for the passengers' comfort.
One of the most significant features of the collaboration is that GAC’s high-tech cockpit system now includes the Grab driver app as a part of it. This way, the driver-partner gets to utilize the vehicle’s main screen for direct access to navigation, real-time demand heat maps, and safety warnings, thus saving time as there is no need to change between the mobile device and the car screen.
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Grab Chief Product Officer, Philipp Kandal, stated, “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”, he added.
In order to assist the transition towards the use of cleaner vehicles, Grab has come up with a solution of providing vehicle access that is not tied to any particular mode of transport. Drivers have the option to either rent electric vehicles from the existing fleet partners or go for personal ownership through Grab’s customized financing schemes.
The GAC Aion Y Plus is offered in two trim levels, Elite and Premium, at RM119,800 and RM135,800, respectively, in Malaysia.
A 204 hp electric motor and a 63.2 kWh battery power the model, which can achieve a maximum of 490 km of NEDC-rated range and is compatible with both AC and DC fast charging. On the other hand, the GAC Aion ES, which was demonstrated at KLIMS 2024, seems to have been taken off the Malaysian market.