Grab Thailand is working with seven EV industry partners, including Rêver Automotive, H SEM Motor, STROM, Swap & Go, EV Station PluZ, Auto Drive EV, and Moove, to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among its drivers and delivery partners. The company recently announced its “Grab EV” program, which aims to provide over 8,000 EVs to partners by 2025, and to have EVs account for 10% of vehicles on the Grab Thailand platform by 2026.
To ease the financial burden for Grab drivers and delivery partners who want to switch to EVs, the company plans to launch two new models in early 2024 through its Drive-to-Own scheme and End-to-End EV Bike Rental option. The Drive-to-Own program offers a daily installment and revenue-based financing model tailored for drivers who want to provide transportation services using EVs. On the other hand, the End-to-End EV Bike Rental option offers affordable electric bike rentals starting at 125 baht per day to riders who provide delivery or passenger services.
According to a study conducted by Grab Thailand, more than 85% of Grab driver-partners expressed interest in switching to EVs. However, various challenges, especially financial, are hindering their progress. Traditional bank loans are often difficult to secure for many drivers and riders.
Grab Thailand’s initiative serves to facilitate the adoption of EVs by offering a leasing program to help drivers with the higher upfront costs of EV models. In addition, the data collected from these two new models will enable Grab to address other EV-related issues such as vehicle performance and charging infrastructure.
