Grab announced a partnership with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD to import EVs into the ASEAN market including the Philippines.
The agreement aims to make electric cars more affordable and accessible for Grab’s driver-partners.
Under the deal, BYD will offer discounted prices on EVs to Grab drivers, along with extended battery maintenance services.
Drivers will have the option to buy or rent the vehicles through Grab, with financial support available to help lower the upfront costs.
The partnership also includes deep integration of BYD’s cars with the Grab app.
It will allow drivers to access key information such as orders, navigation, and chat history directly through the car’s screen, reducing the need to use a mobile phone.
Grab will also use vehicle data, such as driving speed and weather conditions, to better predict customer demand and improve the driver experience.
Grab said the partnership is designed to address the high upfront costs of EVs, which have been a major barrier to adoption in the region. The company hopes the move will help accelerate the transition to greener transportation in Southeast Asia.
The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said the Philippine government plans to have 2.4 million electric cars on the road by 2028.
The said cooperation is a significant step toward achieving green transportation.