BYD and Grab team up to promote electric rides

BYD Cars Philippines and Grab are joining forces to bring electric vehicles closer to everyday commuters, starting with ride-hailing drivers.

In a recent event at BYD’s Global City dealership in Taguig, the two companies kicked off the first-ever BYD Grab Day Caravan. The goal is to give GrabCar drivers a closer look at the benefits of switching to electric and hybrid vehicles, especially BYD’s new model: the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic.

It’s more than just a display. Drivers got behind the wheel of the Seal 5, took it for a spin, and checked out exclusive financing options. With bank partners on-site, some were even able to begin their applications right then and there.

The event marks the beginning of a larger push to make greener transport options more available. According to BYD, its electric vehicles can help ride-hailing drivers cut operational and maintenance costs by up to 40 percent compared to traditional gas-powered cars. That means more savings — and potentially higher earnings — for those behind the wheel.

“This partnership with Grab lets us bring electric mobility to people who use it every day,” said BYD Cars Philippines managing director Bob Palanca. “It’s a practical step toward a cleaner, more efficient transport system.”

The main highlight of the partnership is the Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic. Built on BYD’s Super DM-i platform, the sedan offers up to 50 kilometers of electric-only driving and a total range of over 1,100 kilometers. It’s designed for daily use, with roomy interiors, low upkeep costs, and just one preventive maintenance visit per year — features that make it especially appealing to Grab drivers.

Adam Hu, BYD Philippines’ Country Head, added, “It’s the kind of car that fits right into the day-to-day needs of ride-hailing — efficient, comfortable and reliable.”

Grab’s leadership also sees this as a win for both their driver-partners and passengers.

“This is a welcome move for our hardworking GrabCar drivers,” said Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines managing director. “They get to earn more, spend less on fuel and maintenance, and play a part in building greener cities.”

The caravan isn’t just a one-off event. It’s scheduled to travel to other BYD dealerships across the country — including locations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao — later this year. The wider rollout will give more drivers the chance to test BYD’s electrified lineup and learn how they might benefit from the switch.

As part of the bigger picture, BYD’s push aligns with Ayala-led ACMobility’s broader efforts to grow the country’s electric vehicle ecosystem. That includes building EV charging stations, creating digital platforms for service access, and distributing vehicles from brands like Kia, Volkswagen and BYD.

Grab, meanwhile, continues its mission of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. Now active in eight countries across Southeast Asia, the superapp is integrating more green options into its delivery, mobility, and finance services.

With the BYD Grab Day Caravan now on the road, more drivers — and riders — might soon find themselves part of this electric shift.