Grab to add 200 electric vehicles to fleet in 2019

SP Group will provide preferential EV charging rates to drivers.

Grab will bring in 200 new fast-charging electric vehicles (EV) to be supplied by SP Group’s fast-charging network. The new fleet will be progressively rolled out in Singapore from early 2019.

According to an announcement, driver-partners on this new model will get preferential EV charging rates from SP, at all their charging stations island-wide.

“With the cost benefits offered by EVs, they can expect to earn up to 25% more in daily income compared to those on a regular petrol vehicle and up to 20% more daily income compared to a hybrid vehicle,” Grab said.

This marks SP’s first fleet partnership since it unveiled plans in June to build Singapore’s largest and fastest public EV charging network. SP has committed to build 500 publicly accessible charging points, comprising both DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) chargers by 2020.

Grab and SP also will study EV usage patterns and behaviours to improve the accessibility and utilisation of EV charging stations. SP plans to install its charging points within close-proximity to coffee-shops and food outlets.

This will allow Grab driver-partners to match their charging time with meal and driving breaks, Grab said.

"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 Grab Singapore head Lim Kell Jay.

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

The new EV model has an estimated range of 400km per charge. Driver-partners only need approximately 40 minutes at SP’s high-speed DC charging points for a full day’s worth of driving.

Some of SP Group’s venue partners will offer discounted parking to EV drivers using SP’s charging network.