Grab, GAC Accelerate Electric Ride Hailing

GUANGZHOU, China — Grab has entered a strategic partnership with Chinese automaker GAC to roll out up to 20,000 electric vehicles for ride hailing across Southeast Asia, as both companies push for wider EV adoption in daily transport.

The partnership, announced January 8, will see GAC supply three electric models to Grab fleets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The initial lineup includes the Aion Y, Aion ES, and Aion V, vehicles developed with commercial ride hailing use in mind.

In addition, the agreement centers on improving the day to day experience of Grab driver partners. Grab said its driver app will be integrated directly into GAC’s in vehicle cockpit system, allowing drivers to view navigation, demand heat maps, and safety alerts on a larger built in display.

This setup removes the need for drivers to switch between phones and dashboards while driving. Grab said the goal is to reduce distraction and eye strain, while helping drivers stay focused on traffic conditions.

GAC vehicles selected for the program feature wide opening doors, generous rear legroom, and cabin layouts designed for frequent passenger entry and exit. These features are aimed at improving comfort for both drivers and riders, especially on longer urban routes and airport trips.

Driver partners will be able to access the EVs through rentals offered by Grab fleet partners or through financing options under Grab’s car ownership programs. Both companies also said they are studying ways to strengthen aftersales support and long term fleet maintenance.

Grab chief product officer Philipp Kandal said the cockpit integration gives drivers access to essential information in a more ergonomic way. He added that the move supports Grab’s wider goal of reducing emissions while keeping driver welfare at the center of its platform upgrades.

The partnership supports GAC’s broader global strategy to export not just vehicles, but a full EV ecosystem that includes software, services, and operations. By working with Grab, GAC gains exposure to millions of users and real world data from Southeast Asia’s varied mobility conditions.

Grab said the regional EV market continues to grow rapidly. Citing data from the International Energy Agency, the company noted that EV sales in Southeast Asia rose sharply in 2024. Grab aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2040 and sees fleet electrification as a key step toward that target.

Across the region, Grab has been testing different approaches to encourage EV use. These include eco friendly ride options for passengers, discounted charging partnerships, lease to own programs, and fully electric taxi fleets in select markets. The company said lessons from these markets will help shape how the new GAC vehicles are deployed.