Grab, GAC sign agreement to deploy 20,000 EVs in Southeast Asia – Aion Y, Aion V, Aion ES selected
Grab and GAC have signed an agreement to deploy 20,000 electric vehicles in Southeast Asia, for markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
The partnership will see the deployment of three models from the carmaker’s line-up, and these will be the Aion Y, Aion ES and Aion V. These models have been selected for their ability to meet the diverse demands of the Southeast Asian market, according to Grab.
According to the superapp operator, the new collaboration aligns with GAC’s strategy of an integrated ecosystem of products, services, and operational capabilities of electric vehicles.
The collaboration will see the Grab driver app integrated into the GAC intelligent cockpit system, which will enable Grab drivers to view navigation and receive information from Grab directly from the vehicle’s display, removing the need to alternate between devices and thus enable seamless trip operation, reduce eye strain and distraction, claims Grab.
The partnership between Grab and GAC builds upon the ride-hailing operator’s commitment “to being a regional ecosystem testbed that develops and scales EV solutions.” For markets including Singapore and Thailand, Grab users may opt for an “eco-friendly ride” option which prioritises the allocation of a green vehicle at no added cost, while Grab drivers in Vietnam get preferential charging rates and discounts at selected charging facilities.
In Thailand, Grab has rolled out a drive-to-own leasing scheme for drivers to work towards owning an EV through the course of ride-hailing, where the model offers lease terms of up to five years with no downpayment required, and payments are deducted directly from the driver’s earnings.
“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 in a statement.
