Grab partners SP Group to launch 200 electric vehicles from early 2019

A Go Electric sign is displayed on a Grab vehicle in Singapore. (Getty Images file photo)
A Go Electric sign is displayed on a Grab vehicle in Singapore. (Getty Images file photo)

Local ride-hailing firm Grab will be progressively rolling out 200 electric vehicles from early 2019, in its first partnership with SP Group.

In a press statement on Thursday (23 August), Grab said that the new fleet of fast-charging electric vehicles (EVs) will tap SP’s fast-charging network.

The new EV model will carry an estimated range of 400km per charge, according to Grab, and drivers will only need about 40 minutes at SP’s high-speed DC charging points for a full day’s worth of driving on the Grab platform.

Grab and SP will study EV usage patterns to improve the accessibility and utilisation of EV charging stations.

By 2020, SP aims to build 500 charging points, comprising both DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) chargers in convenient locations, with many close to coffee-shops and food outlets.

“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,” said Lim Kell Jay, head of Grab Singapore.

To attract more drivers to join the partnership, Grab pointed out that an EV driver can expect to earn up to 25 per cent more in daily income compared with driving a petrol vehicle and up to 20 per cent more daily income compared with a hybrid vehicle.

In addition, some of SP’s venue partners will offer discounted parking to EV drivers using its charging network.

Specific details on pricing of charging facilities and EV models will be disclosed towards the end of the year when SP is expected to set up the first 30 charging points.

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