Grab and GAC To Roll Out 20,000 EVs Across Southeast Asia

Grab has entered into a strategic partnership with global smart mobility group GAC to deploy an initial 20,000 electric vehicles across its regional ride-hailing fleets, in a move aimed at accelerating EV adoption while upgrading the in-car experience for driver-partners.

The collaboration will see three GAC models — the AION Y, AION ES and AION V — introduced across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. Designed with commercial ride-hailing in mind, the vehicles offer features such as wide 90-degree door openings and generous rear legroom to improve comfort for both drivers and passengers.

The tie-up aligns with GAC’s “Tech-Driven GAC, Advancing Global Reach with a Full-Chain Ecosystem” strategy, which centres on building an integrated EV ecosystem spanning products, services and operations.

At the heart of the partnership is the integration of the Grab driver app into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system. This allows driver-partners to access navigation, demand heatmaps and safety alerts directly on the in-vehicle display, removing the need to toggle between multiple devices while on the road.

“At Grab, we are constantly seeking innovations that empower our driver-partners,” said Philipp Kandal, chief product officer at Grab. “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 helps reduce cognitive load while advancing our shared commitment to carbon neutrality.”

Driver-partners will be able to rent the EVs through Grab’s fleet partners or access them via Grab-backed financing schemes.

The three AION models were selected to meet the varied needs of Southeast Asia’s mobility market. The AION Y, one of GAC’s best-selling models, is positioned for electric taxi services and premium airport transfers. The AION V combines long-range performance with a spacious interior and holds a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating, while the AION ES is designed for efficiency and has been widely adopted as an electric taxi.

For GAC, the partnership offers a route to greater brand visibility and real-world insights into regional mobility patterns via Grab’s extensive footprint.

The move comes as EV adoption accelerates across the region. According to the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2025, Southeast Asia recorded close to 50% growth in EV sales in 2024. Grab’s expanded EV fleet supports its broader target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

To support uptake, Grab has rolled out a range of market-specific initiatives. In Singapore and Thailand, riders can opt for an “Eco-Friendly Ride” that prioritises green vehicles at no additional cost. In Vietnam, partnerships with EBOOST and Charge+ offer discounted charging rates, while Grab Thailand has introduced a Drive-to-Own scheme with five-year leases and no upfront payment.

Grab Singapore and the Philippines have also expanded fully electric and hybrid fleets, while Indonesia now operates more than 11,000 EVs on high-volume routes.

Together, Grab and GAC are positioning the partnership as a catalyst for cleaner, smarter and more sustainable urban mobility across Southeast Asia.