Grab has partnered with BYD to introduce EVs to its driver-partners across Southeast Asia, while Indonesian EV firm MAKA Motors has officially launched its locally designed electric motorcycle.
Grab to provide 50,000 BYD EVs to partner-drivers
Southeast Asian superapp Grab has partnered with BYD to provide up to 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) to its driver-partners in the region, according to an announcement.
The collaboration seeks to accelerate the transition to green transportation by addressing the high upfront costs that hinder EV adoption and making EVs available to its users.
The partnership extends across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and covers BYD models like the DENZA D9, ATTO3, SEAL, and M6, per the announcement.
Driver-partners can access these EVs through rental options or Grab’s car ownership schemes. Singapore and Thailand users can opt for “Eco-Friendly Riders” at no additional costs.
“We continue to be dedicated to our goal of building a zero-emission ecosystem and we are committed to supporting Grab’s fleet and driver-partners,” said Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division.
Grab posted a profit of $15 million in July-September (Q3) 2024, mainly on account of improvements in group adjusted EBITDA, while revenue grew 17% year-on-year to $716 million.
MAKA Motors launches locally designed e-motorcycle
Indonesia-based electric vehicle maker MAKA Motors has unveiled its first locally designed electric motorcycle, the MAKA Cavalry.
The motorcycle features a 160 km range per charge, a 4 kWh battery, and advanced regenerative braking technology, per an announcement.
MAKA said the motorcycle aims to help accelerate Indonesia’s push toward sustainability and self-sufficiency in automotive technology.
The launch follows MAKA Motors’s $37.6-million seed funding round in 2023, co-led by AC Ventures and backed by East Ventures and South Korea’s SV Investment.
MAKA Motors was founded in 2021 by former Gojek executives Wibowo and Fadillah.
