E-VEHICLE STUDY. ACMobility head of retail and distribution Toti Zara, BYD Cars Philippines sales director Minnie Bustamante, Grab Philippines head of mobility EJ Dela Vega and head of mobility marketplace Clarize Morito (from left) during the ceremonial signing of a partnership between Grab and BYD for the pilot study on the use of electric vehicles as transport network vehicle service on Friday (June 14, 2024). The pilot study seeks to navigate a path toward greener mobility options in the TNVS industry and the cost-effective alternative to conventional combustion-engine vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Grab)
MANILA – Ride-hailing and delivery service Grab Philippines (Grab) and electric vehicle (e-vehicle) manufacturer BYD on Friday announced their partnership for a pilot study that aims to test the feasibility of using e-vehicles for transport network vehicle service (TNVS).
In a statement, Grab said the pilot study will run for one month in select areas of Metro Manila and will follow the experience of Grab’s drivers testing out the BYD hatchback-type model Dolphin.
“It will examine key operational and economic implications of using EVs as TNVS vehicles,” it said.
The e-vehicle pilot study will launch in Taguig’s Bonifacio Global City, Makati City, Pasay City and Mandaluyong City to leverage the existing e-vehicle charging infrastructure in the areas.
“Through the analysis of collected data on total distance covered, battery efficiency and their impact on the earning capacity and overall productivity of driver-partners, Grab and BYD aim to offer valuable insights to transport stakeholders,” Grab said.
The goal, the duo said, is to navigate a path toward greener mobility options in the ride-hailing industry while exploring cost-effective and profit-maximizing alternatives to conventional combustion-engine vehicles.
In preparation for the pilot study, a group of Grab drivers joined special training with the BYD Cars Philippines team that covered charging options and planning, notable differences between e-vehicles and fuel-combusting cars, and the use of ACMobility’s network of e-vehicle chargers.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chair Teofilo Guadiz III expressed support for the pilot study as it advances the country’s transportation landscape through the use of “innovation and sustainable solutions.”
“This pilot marks a critical step in our efforts to explore and understand the unique opportunities and challenges associated with EV adoption in our country, and will provide us valuable insights and data to help us craft informed, inclusive, and effective policies that support and promote sustainable urban mobility while ensuring the safety and convenience of the commuting public,” Guadiz said in a statement. (PNA)
