KUALA LUMPUR: Local e-hailing app, GV Ride (GVR) is set to introduce electric vehicle (EV) services starting next month, making it the first e-hailing company in Malaysia to champion EV adoption.
GVR, which began its pre-operations in September, is owned by GV Car Ventures Sdn Bhd (GVV), one of 30 companies registered with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
The company's chief executive officer Kabeer Maand revealed that 2,500 EV units are targeted for deployment, starting in the Klang Valley.
Maand said GVV is currently in negotiations with suppliers from China for the first phase of EV integration into its platform.
"This is part of the company's efforts to expand our business while promoting the adoption of EVs in the e-hailing industry," he said.
The app was officially launched last week by Selangor state executive council for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han.
Ng welcomed the introduction of GV Ride, saying it provides more choices for e-hailing users, especially in Selangor.
"E-hailing services are a crucial component that complements the country's transportation ecosystem alongside rail, buses, and private vehicles.
"We are delighted to see another local e-hailing company stepping up to serve the people," he said.
At the event, GVV also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zlata Resources Sdn Bhd to provide insurance coverage for its drivers, while Sejamas World Sdn Bhd offered free car batteries.
Network EV Sdn Bhd will supply EV charging ports, and the Northern E-Hailing Drivers Association (NeHDA) will serve as a support partner in the northern region.
"We currently have 15,000 registered drivers, and we aim to increase this number to 50,000 by the end of the year," said Kabeer, who also highlighted that the platform charges drivers only a nine percent commission per booking.
Launched in September, GV Ride already stands out with real-time driver tracking, fare negotiations, and the lowest driver commission in the market at just nine percent.
To celebrate its expansion, the platform is offering one million free rides worth RM15 or less.