Grab collaborates with GAC! 20,000 Aion electric vehicles will be launched in six Southeast Asian countries including Malaysia and Thailand

In the congested sections during the morning rush hour in Bangkok, passengers always have to struggle to move in narrow spaces when getting on and off the car;

Drivers taking orders to Kuala Lumpur airport are often worried about fitting multiple pieces of luggage in the car;

These common troubles in Southeast Asian ride-hailing trips now have a new solution.

[PCauto] Today (January 8,2026), the Southeast Asian ride-hailing platform Grab and the Chinese car brand GAC reached a cooperation agreement, planning to deploy 20,000 Aion electric vehicles in six Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Thailand.

Every design detail is tailored to address the practical needs of local drivers and passengers, ensuring smoother daily commutes.

The three pure electric car models invested this time are Aion Y, Aion ES, and Aion V, all of which have undergone deep customization and optimization around ride-hailing operation scenarios, covering core needs such as space, range, and practicality.

Aion Y is equipped with a class-leading wheelbase and a fully flat rear floor, creating a much more spacious interior compared to competitors. Rear passengers enjoy legroom exceeding two fists’ width, eliminating any sense of confinement.

Moreover, when drivers handle long-distance ride-hailing orders at airports, train stations, etc., the trunk can easily accommodate three  large 28-inch suitcases and one baby stroller, providing stress-free loading capacity.

For bookings involving substantial luggage, such as trips to transport hubs or shopping centres, this spacious model is also a preferred choice among passengers.

Aion V is equipped with a high-capacity power battery and an efficient energy recovery system. Additionally, the entire series comes standard with multiple safety features such as vehicle stability control and active braking. When driving long distances, drivers do not need to worry about range anxiety or driving safety.

The core highlight of this car lies in the fact that its rear doors can open at a ninety-degree angle. Even in the narrow roadside parking spaces of old town areas, passengers can get in and out without bending or twisting.

The Aion ES features fast charging technology, combined with a low-drag body design, providing solid and reliable range performance.

According to tests by relevant agencies, even in high-frequency operation scenarios of driving approximately 300 kilometers for 10 hours a day, there is no need to frequently search for charging stations mid-route.

Additionally, this car is equipped with ergonomic lumbar support seats, which allow lumbar support adjustment and fit the natural curve of the human spine. This helps prevent lower back pain during extended periods of driving, significantly reducing driver fatigue.

It is also worth mentioning that, in addition to hardware configurations tailored to operational needs, the three models have been optimized in terms of intelligent interaction to address core pain points of ride-hailing drivers, completely eliminating operational hassles during trips.

Previously, when drivers were taking orders, they needed to frequently check the navigation on their phones and switch to the Grab app to check the hotspot areas for orders. At times, this distraction could cause them to miss important road safety alerts, which was not only tiring for their eyes but also posed safety risks.

Now, these core functions have been integrated into Aion's smart in-car display. Navigation routes, distribution of hotspot areas for orders, road safety alerts, and other information are all clearly displayed on the screen.

Drivers no longer need to switch back and forth between their phones and the in-vehicle devices. The clearer screen reduces eye strain and allows drivers to focus more on observing road conditions, thereby significantly mitigating the safety risks associated with distracted driving.

To reduce the threshold for using cars and provide after-sales assurance, GAC has offered targeted solutions. Drivers can choose to rent these electric vehicles through partner fleets or apply for flexible financing plans.

Eligible drivers don't need to pay an upfront deposit; monthly rental payments are directly deducted from their order earnings, significantly reducing financial pressure.

At the same time, concerns about repairs and maintenance have been completely addressed. GAC, in collaboration with partners, has improved the local after-sales service network.

If the vehicle has any issues, drivers can quickly find a service center without delaying their orders.

By leveraging GAC’s global service network spanning 85 countries and through in-depth cooperation with local enterprises, they are well-positioned to address local road conditions and driver needs, providing timely and reliable technical support.