DiDi enters strategic partnership with China’s State Grid EV Service

Didi Chuxing, the world’s leading multi-modal transportation platform, finalised a strategic partnership agreement with State Grid EV Service, an affiliate of State Grid Corporation of China (“State Grid”).

Under the partnership, the nationwide network of charging points under State Grid will be connected to DiDi’s open auto-solutions platform in phases, creating an integrated mobility, recharging and energy-related service for the world’s largest EV fleet that leverages DiDi’s data capabilities to enhance network utilisation and efficiency. Through the connection of physical shared EV fleets, charging points and mobile internet technology, the two parties will also explore new car service models to offer a more convenient and smooth EV purchasing and user experience. The cooperation will roll out first in key central and southeast provinces including Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu, Shandong, Sha’anxi, Hunan and Jiangxi.

In April 2018, DiDi elevated its portfolio of auto-related services to a separate entity, Xiaoju Automobile Solutions (“XAS”). Through DiDi’s main app and a separate auto-service app, XAS works with a broad range of automakers, fleet operators and energy partners to provide integrated automobile solutions to DiDi and non-DiDi drivers and car-owners. By integrating data-informed, quality auto-finance, leasing, trading and energy services, DiDi’s auto strategy also helps create greater value for drivers and strengthen our ride-hailing network.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, due to active policy support for electric mobility in China’s fast-growing cities, the sales of new energy vehicles in China reached 1.25 million in 2018, accounting for over 55% of the total sales globally. Ride sharing is an ideal platform to promote a more environmentally-friendly automobile and fuel industry. Through partnerships with drivers, fleets, major EV manufacturers and operators at home and abroad, DiDi is currently the largest EV operator in the world with more than 400,000 EVs operating on the platform.

State Grid EV Service is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Grid, aiming to implement China’s energy policies, including air pollution prevention, energy conservation and emission reduction. Its core business includes operation of charging stations, EV charging technology services, car rental and sales. The partnership will include EV sales and leasing businesses, smart energy and finance-related services.