Grab Thailand is accelerating its Grab EV programme in response to the ongoing energy crisis by announcing nine strategic partnerships, including with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers and distributors, as well as taxi cooperatives.
These partnerships aim to expand access to EVs for drivers and riders on the platform through "end-to-end EV rental" and "drive-to-own" models, supporting long-term fleet solutions and lowering drivers' operating costs.
The company reported progress in its Grab EV programme, with more than 30,000 EVs now operating on the platform.
Meanwhile, adoption of the Grab EV Rides feature has increased by more than 35% year-on-year, reflecting growing environmental awareness among users.
Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, country head of Grab Thailand, said the company was the first platform in Thailand to promote the use of EVs for ride-hailing and delivery services, starting in 2020.
"We have collaborated with partners such as EV manufacturers and distributors, charging station operators, battery management service providers, and financial institutions to make EV adoption more accessible for our drivers and riders," she said.
Over the years, the company has expanded its partnerships and enhanced the Grab EV programme, said Ms Chantsuda.
"We enabled EV owners to operate on our platform, and we support drivers and riders in accessing EVs through rental and ownership options," she said.
"With these nine new partnerships for EVs and electric motorcycles, we aim to expand choices for drivers while building a more comprehensive EV platform."
Grab offers two EV models. Under the end-to-end EV rental model, Grab partnered with five electric taxi rental providers -- EV7, Ch. Pattana Taxi, Siam Taxi Cooperative, Mittare Taxi Cooperative, and P-bike -- enabling taxi drivers to rent EV taxis for use on the Grab platform, with rental rates starting from 800 baht per day.
In addition, Grab collaborated with Sleek EV to offer electric motorcycle rentals for delivery riders, with rental rates starting from 125 baht per day.
Under the drive-to-own model, Grab partnered with CL & V Group Car Rent and Borrow Mobility (By B Autohaus) to provide drivers with accessible pathways to EV car ownership.
Loan approvals are based on drivers' performance on the platform, with daily payments starting from 600 baht over a lease term of up to five years.
In addition, Grab partnered with EM Motor to enable drivers to own electric motorcycles through daily instalment plans starting from 105 baht, over a period of 2-3 years.
Grab is also enhancing access to EV charging infrastructure to improve convenience and provide exclusive benefits for drivers via collaboration with leading charging station operators Sharge, Spark EV, and Altervim Super Charge.
