It make sense that for ride hailing vehicles, being powered by electricity could be a way to reduce both pollution and be cost efficient for the driver. And that is exactly what Grab is doing through their partnership with the SP Group in Singapore. This partnership will bring in 200 new fast-charging electric vehicles (EV) which will then rely on SP’s fast-charging network in Singapore.
The electric fleet will be rolled out starting in 2019 and driver-partners on this model will get a discount for EV charging rates from SP. According to Grab and SP Group, drivers who use EVs can stand to gain more than 25% more in daily income. SP has committed to build at least 500 publicly accessible charging points throughout the island nation by 2020.
Both the companies aim to learn more about EV usage patterns and use that data to improve the locations and usability of the EV charging stations. One strategy which SP Group is going for is to place these charging stations near places where drivers would potentially eat and take breaks thus allowing them to charge their vehicles whilst on break.
“We have heard from our driver-partners that a faster charge time and longer EV driving range are important considerations for them when making the switch to EVs. We have taken their feedback on board and have negotiated the best deals to bring them concrete savings and the best vehicle model to cater to their driving needs. We are proud and happy to partner with SP, which has a long history of serving Singaporeans. With SP joining our consortium of EV partners, Grab is in a unique position to help drive a cleaner, greener Singapore by encouraging more of our drivers to adopt EVs. Grab operates the largest electric and hybrid vehicle fleet in Southeast Asia today, and we are committed to delivering the benefits from EVs to more of our driver-partners,” said Lim Kell Jay, Head of Grab Singapore.
“We are pleased to enable the success of Grab’s electrification efforts through our plans to launch Singapore’s largest public electric vehicle charging network. The pervasive fast-charging network will provide Grab’s EV drivers with convenience and speed in charging their vehicles, while helping them to achieve energy and cost savings. This will accelerate the wider adoption of EVs in Singapore and support the nation’s efforts to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Mr Goh Chee Kiong, Head, Strategic Development, SP Group.
Commenting on the partnership, Grab driver-partner Jason Ryan, said: “This new partnership will give me access to more charging locations island-wide, allowing me flexibility to plan my day. I am also excited to try out the new fast-charging EVs which will let me maximise my time on the road and increase my overall income.”
