Grab Vietnam has entered a new partnership with Charge+, a Southeast Asian electric vehicle charging provider, to expand the country’s network of charging and battery swapping stations. The agreement, signed on 11 December in Vietnam, sets out a joint plan to deliver more flexible and reliable charging options for electric cars, motorcycles and e-scooters. Both companies view the collaboration as a key step in supporting Vietnam’s Net Zero ambitions and promoting wider adoption of green mobility.
Under the partnership, Grab driver-partners will have access to preferential charging rates and a more extensive network designed to meet the demands of daily commercial driving. The initiative is expected to improve convenience for drivers who rely on fast and accessible charging to maintain their earnings, while also offering benefits to EV users across the country.
Joint development of infrastructure and technology
The agreement focuses on close technical and operational cooperation between Grab and Charge+. Grab will support the development of Charge+’s infrastructure through API integration, allowing charging and battery swapping locations to be shown directly in the Grab app. This will provide real-time data to help drivers make quicker decisions about where and when to charge their vehicles.
Both companies will also work together to identify and deploy charging points in locations that best match user demand. Grab plans to use its technology capabilities, market insights and wide operational network to guide the placement of new charging sites, ensuring easier access for drivers who need fast turnaround times to stay productive on the road.
Mr Ma Tuan Trong, CEO of Grab Vietnam, said the collaboration aligns with Grab’s continued support for the country’s green transition. “Grab fully supports Vietnam’s green transition directives and is continuously stepping up collaboration with relevant partners to address the challenges of this transition. We are delighted to further expand our partner portfolio in the EV ecosystem through this agreement with Charge+. With Charge+’s experience in developing charging systems across Southeast Asian, combined with Grab’s advantages in technology, user insights, and local market demand, we believe this collaboration will contribute to solving the charging station equation in Vietnam. This is our way of joining hands to create a sustainable EV ecosystem that effectively supports both Grab driver-partners and the broader community.”
Charge+ CEO Goh Chee Kiong highlighted the company’s commitment to building a strong regional network. “Charge+ is pleased to partner Grab, one of the most proactive companies in supporting the green transition in Vietnam, to enable a smoother and more sustainable experience for consumers. As a leading EV charging company serving Southeast Asia, Charge+ is strongly committed to rolling out an extensive charging network in Vietnam to reach 5,000 charging points by 2030, to serve Grab driver-partners and other EV drivers at large. Our partnership with Grab brings together two like-minded companies in the pursuit of making electric vehicles the convenient choice for Vietnamese drivers.”
Supporting the shift to green mobility
The collaboration aims to address one of the biggest challenges faced by ride-hailing drivers who use electric vehicles: access to fast and reliable charging points. Many drivers require a dense network to minimise downtime and maintain daily revenue. One Grab driver-partner, Mr Ho Vinh Thanh, said the right charging infrastructure can significantly improve productivity. “Due to the specific nature of our work, the charging needs of ride-hailing drivers are often different from those of EV users for personal purposes. We require a charging network that is extensive and dense enough for us to access it anytime, and the charging speed must be fast. This way, we can maximise our time on the road and secure our daily earnings.”
Charge+ plans to reach 5,000 charging points in Vietnam by 2030 and is already working with partners including Porsche, BMW, Petrolimex, CapitaLand and Ascott to expand infrastructure in residential areas, commercial sites, hotels and expressway rest stops. The company operates more than 5,000 charging points across Southeast Asia today and aims to operate 30,000 globally by 2030.
Grab, meanwhile, continues to broaden its efforts to promote sustainable transport across the region. The company currently operates in over 800 cities in eight Southeast Asian countries and has expanded its services to include mobility, deliveries, digital financial services and online grocery platforms.
