Grab has taken another major step towards electrifying urban mobility in Southeast Asia by entering a strategic partnership with GAC. The collaboration will see an initial rollout of 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles across the region, significantly expanding Grab’s EV fleet while introducing deeper technological integration to improve the experience for driver-partners.

At the heart of the partnership is more than just fleet expansion. Grab and GAC are working closely to integrate their respective systems, enabling smarter in-vehicle experiences and exploring enhanced after-sales support tailored specifically for professional ride-hailing operations. This approach reflects a shared ambition to build a sustainable, driver-centric EV ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

The first phase of deployment will introduce three of GAC’s flagship electric models—the AION Y, AION ES and AION V—across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. These models were selected for their ability to meet the diverse needs of the region, offering a balance of safety, comfort and driving range. Purpose-built features such as wide 90-degree door openings and generous rear legroom are designed to withstand the daily demands of ride-hailing while enhancing passenger comfort.

Each model serves a distinct role within Grab’s fleet. The AION Y, one of GAC’s best-selling EVs, is widely used as an electric taxi thanks to its stylish design and practical interior, making it well suited for premium airport transfers. The AION V brings a spacious cabin and long driving range, backed by a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating that sets a benchmark for electric SUVs. Meanwhile, the AION ES has earned strong trust as an efficient and ergonomic electric taxi, complementing the AION Y as a proven fleet workhorse.

A key highlight of the partnership is the integration of the Grab driver app directly into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system. This allows driver-partners to view navigation, receive safety alerts and access insights such as high-demand areas directly on the vehicle’s large central display. By reducing the need to switch between devices, the system helps minimise distractions, lower cognitive load and improve overall road safety.

Grab driver-partners will be able to access these EVs through flexible options, including rentals from fleet partners or financing via Grab’s car ownership schemes. Both companies have also committed to exploring future technological innovations and scaling EV adoption further across the region.

According to Grab Chief Product Officer Philipp Kandal, the integration represents a meaningful step forward for drivers. By presenting essential information in a more ergonomic and intuitive way, the system supports safer driving while reinforcing Grab’s long-term commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality.

For GAC, the partnership aligns with its global strategy of building a tech-driven, full-chain EV ecosystem that combines products, services and operational capabilities. Leveraging Grab’s extensive regional footprint also allows GAC to gain valuable market insights and brand exposure across Southeast Asia.

The timing of the collaboration reflects strong momentum in the regional EV market. Data from the International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2025 shows that EV sales in Southeast Asia grew by nearly 50% in 2024. Supporting driver-partners in transitioning to low- and zero-emission vehicles remains central to Grab’s emissions reduction-first approach and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.

Beyond vehicle deployment, Grab continues to scale its EV ecosystem through charging partnerships, ownership programmes and consumer-facing initiatives. Riders in markets such as Singapore and Thailand can already opt for “Eco-Friendly Rides” at no extra cost, while driver-partners benefit from charging discounts through collaborations with operators across the region. From fully electric taxi fleets in Singapore and the Philippines to over 11,000 EVs operating in Indonesia, Grab is positioning itself as a regional testbed for sustainable mobility solutions.

Together, Grab and GAC’s partnership signals a significant acceleration of electric ride-hailing in Southeast Asia—one that blends advanced vehicle technology, smarter software integration and practical support for drivers, all while pushing the region closer to a cleaner and more sustainable transport future.