Grab partners with GAC to enhance electric vehicle ride-hailing experience in Southeast Asia

• Collaboration aims to enhance in-vehicle experience and after-sales support for driver-partners
• Partnership will roll out GAC’s AionY, AionES & Aion V across 6 SEA markets, boosting Grab’s EV fleet

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, and GAC, a global pioneer in smart electric mobility, have forged a strategic partnership to deploy an initial 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region. Beyond increasing the diversity and number of EVs in its fleets, the collaboration focuses on integrating both companies’ systems to enhance the in-vehicle experience for driver-partners while exploring improved after-sales support, the company noted in a statement.

To begin with, the partnership will introduce GAC’s AionY, AionES, and Aion V models across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, further enhancing the diversity of Grab’s EV fleets. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of professional ride-hailing, the EVs feature 90-degree door openings and ample rear legroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for both driver-partners and passengers.

This collaboration aligns with GAC’s strategy of ‘Tech-Driven GAC, Advancing Global Reach with a Full-Chain Ecosystem’, which envisions an integrated ecosystem of products, services, and operational capabilities for EVs.

Grab’s driver app will be integrated into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system, allowing driver-partners to view navigation, high-demand area guidance, and safety alerts for hazardous conditions directly on GAC’s larger, easy-to-read displays. This seamless integration reduces the need to toggle between devices, helping drivers accept trips, reduce eye strain, and focus on road safety.

Additionally, driver-partners can rent the EVs from Grab fleet partners or access financing through Grab’s car ownership schemes. Looking ahead, both companies are committed to exploring further technological innovations and expanding EV adoption across the region.

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 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.

The three GAC EV models were selected for their ability to meet the diverse demands of the Southeast Asian market:

• AION Y: A popular choice for electric taxis, with a stylish design and practical interior, ideal for premium airport transfers.
• AION V: Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, combining long range with a spacious cabin, setting a global benchmark for electric SUVs.
• AION ES: Efficient range and spacious, ergonomic configuration, trusted as an electric taxi option alongside the Aion Y.

By leveraging Grab’s reach across Southeast Asia, GAC aims to reach millions of users, boosting brand awareness and deepening market understanding to better meet regional demand.

The Southeast Asian EV market is growing rapidly, with the International Energy Agency reporting a nearly 50% rise in regional sales in 2024. Supporting driver-partners’ transition to low- or zero-emission vehicles is key to Grab’s inclusive approach to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

Grab noted that it is committed to serving as a regional ecosystem testbed, scaling EV solutions by improving vehicle accessibility, enhancing charging infrastructure through partnerships, and driving consumer demand for EV rides.

In Singapore and Thailand, Grab users can choose the “Eco-Friendly Ride” option, prioritising green vehicles at no extra charge.

• Grab has partnered with multiple charging operators to provide driver-partners with savings. In Vietnam, collaborations with EBOOST and Charge+ launched in November and December 2025, offering preferential charging rates and discounts, significantly lowering operational costs.
• Grab Thailand’s Drive-to-Own model provides an accessible pathway to EV ownership, offering five-year leases with no down payment, with payments deducted directly from earnings.
• The GrabCab fleet in Singapore features fully electric or hybrid vehicles to meet driver-partners’ demand and support sustainability goals.
• In the Philippines, GrabTaxi Electric became the nation’s first fully electric, on-demand taxi fleet recognised by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in June 2025.
• Grab Indonesia currently operates over 11,000 EVs on high-volume routes, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable urban transport.