Ryde Bets Big on EVs: Acquires 40% Stake in Atoll to Expand EV Footprint in Singapore

Rhea-AI Summary

Ryde Group (NYSE:RYDE) has acquired a 40% strategic stake in Atoll Discovery, a Singapore-based EV rental company operating nearly 100 BYD electric vehicles. The investment aligns with Singapore's ambitious EV transition plan, which aims to deploy 60,000 charging points and phase out combustion engines by 2040. Singapore's EV market is projected to reach $564 million by 2030, with a 27.46% CAGR. Atoll, founded in 2017 and led by industry veteran Steven Kwek, supplies vehicles to major partners including Singapore Electric Vehicles (SEV). This acquisition complements Ryde's RydeGreen Program, launched in December 2024, which aims to introduce 1,200 EVs by 2027 with a $1 million green bonus commitment. The strategic investment allows Ryde to expand its green mobility footprint while maintaining its core business focus and 0% driver commission model.

Positive

• Strategic entry into Singapore's rapidly growing EV market projected to reach $564M by 2030
• Acquisition provides access to fleet of 100 BYD electric vehicles without capital-intensive direct ownership
• Strengthens partnership with SEV and complements RydeGreen Program's goal of 1,200 EVs by 2027
• 40% non-controlling stake minimizes risks while maintaining upside potential
• Aligns with government initiatives and infrastructure development for EV adoption

Negative

• Non-controlling stake limits direct operational control over Atoll
• Investment in capital-intensive EV sector could impact financial resources
• Dependence on government EV initiatives and infrastructure development timeline

Insights

Investment Strategist

Ryde's 40% stake in Atoll positions it strategically in Singapore's rapidly growing EV market without capital-intensive direct ownership.

Ryde's acquisition of a 40% stake in Atoll Discovery represents a calculated move to capitalize on Singapore's accelerating EV transition. The investment offers strategic market positioning as Singapore plans to phase out internal combustion engines by 2040 and deploy 60,000 charging points nationwide. This government-backed transition is creating a projected $564 million market opportunity by 2030, growing at an impressive 27.46% CAGR.

The structure of this deal deserves particular attention. By taking a non-controlling stake, Ryde gains exposure to the EV rental sector without assuming the full capital burden and operational complexities of direct ownership. This approach allows Ryde to maintain focus on its core ride-hailing business while still benefiting from the upside of EV market growth. The partnership with Atoll – which operates nearly 100 BYD electric vehicles – creates immediate scale in a capital-intensive segment.

This acquisition strengthens Ryde's existing sustainability initiatives, particularly its RydeGreen Program launched in December 2024. That program already aims to introduce 1,200 EVs by 2027 with $1 million committed to green bonuses for drivers. The Atoll investment creates an ecosystem approach by connecting Ryde's platform with Atoll's fleet operations and Singapore Electric Vehicles Pte Ltd's infrastructure. This three-way alignment positions Ryde at the center of a developing EV mobility network rather than just as a ride-hailing app.

For investors, this represents a balanced approach to capitalizing on the EV transition – gaining strategic positioning without overextending resources or diverting focus from core operations. The minority stake structure minimizes downside risk while maintaining meaningful exposure to Singapore's accelerating EV adoption curve.

SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / June 18, 2025 / Ryde Group Ltd (NYSE American:RYDE) ("Ryde'' or the "Company"), a technology company with a leading platform for mobility and quick commerce in Singapore, today announced the acquisition of a strategic 40% shareholding in Atoll Discovery Pte Ltd ("Atoll"), a Singapore-based electric vehicle (EV) rental company. This investment marks a significant milestone in Ryde's commitment to sustainable urban transportation and positions the Company to capitalize on the growing EV market in Singapore.

Ryde's investment in Atoll, which operates a fleet of close to 100 fully electric BYD vehicles, comes as the city- state ramps up its transition to a low-emission transport ecosystem, including a plan to roll out 60,000 EV charging points and phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040.

Strategic Entry: Capitalizing on the EV boom in Singapore

Singapore's EV market is projected to reach USD 564 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.46%, according to industry forecasts. Government incentives, rising environmental awareness, and new infrastructure developments are all fueling demand - a trend Ryde is clearly intent on riding.

"This acquisition represents an exciting next step in our journey toward building a cleaner and smarter mobility future in Singapore," said Terence Zou, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ryde Group. "Our 40% stake in Atoll gives us strategic access to the EV rental market, expanding our green mobility footprint without diverting resources from our core business. It's a prudent move with a clear upside - revenue growth, sustainability, and long-term value creation."

With Atoll's strong operational base and industry veteran Steven Kwek at the helm, Ryde expects to gain a strategic foothold in a critical growth sector.

Strategic Benefits and Revenue Growth

Founded in 2017, Atoll has established itself as a key player in Singapore's EV rental sector, supplying vehicles to major industry partners including Singapore Electric Vehicles Pte Ltd ("SEV") and other major car rental platforms. Atoll is helmed by Steven Kwek, a veteran in the automotive sector with over 25 years of experience and an established track record in EV adoption and fleet operations.

This acquisition by Ryde is expected to act as an indirect revenue growth driver, providing opportunities for deeper integration of EVs into its own ride-hailing fleet and enhancing operational flexibility. Importantly, the 40% non-controlling stake allows Ryde to benefit from Atoll's upside while minimizing the risks associated with direct ownership in a capital-intensive segment.

Complementing RydeGreen Program - Driving EV Growth in Singapore

Atoll's collaboration with SEV - already a strategic partner under Ryde's RydeGreen Program - strengthens synergies across the Company's EV initiatives. The RydeGreen Program, launched in December 2024, is Ryde's flagship sustainability effort aimed at introducing an additional 1,200 EVs by 2027. In partnership with SEV, the program supports affordable leasing for driver-partners, a growing EV charging network, and green incentive schemes with Ryde committing over $1 million green bonus to support its driver-partners.

"We are excited to welcome Ryde as a strategic investor in Atoll," said Steven Kwek, Director of Atoll. "This partnership is more than just an investment - it's a convergence of shared values towards accelerating EV growth in Singapore. Together, we can scale EV adoption faster and smarter, and position Singapore as a regional leader in clean urban mobility."

Strategic Synergies and Future Potential

With its roots in ride-hailing since 2014 and a commitment to its industry leading 0% driver commission, Ryde's super mobility app is uniquely positioned to make EVs more accessible for its driver-partners. By teaming up with Atoll and SEV, Ryde now has a clearer pathway to integrate more EVS into its services while ensuring operational efficiency.

The Atoll investment also opens the door for future collaborations and deeper ecosystem integration with key players like SEV and other major car rental platforms. As EV momentum continues to build across Southeast Asia, Ryde is not only reinforcing its home market position but also setting the stage for future regional moves in green mobility.

About Ryde Group Ltd

Ryde, a homegrown super mobility app founded in Singapore, is the world's FIRST on-demand carpooling app since 2014! As a publicly listed company on the NYSE American, we are reimagining the way people and goods move around. We offer a full suite of services, including carpooling, private hire, taxi, and delivery, but what truly sets us apart is our commitment to empower our private-hire and taxi partners. We take 0% commission, ensuring that more of every hard-earned dollar goes to drivers on our platform. For more information, please visit https://rydesharing.com/ to learn more.

Contacts

For Media Relations:
Media Team
Ryde Group Ltd
Email: media@rydesharing.com

For Investor Relations:
Investor Relations Team
Ryde Group Ltd
Email: investor@rydesharing.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors . Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Ryde Group Ltd specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Ryde Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What percentage stake did Ryde acquire in Atoll Discovery?

Ryde acquired a 40% strategic stake in Atoll Discovery, a Singapore-based EV rental company.

How many electric vehicles does Atoll currently operate in its fleet?

Atoll operates a fleet of close to 100 fully electric BYD vehicles.

What is the projected size of Singapore's EV market by 2030?

Singapore's EV market is projected to reach USD 564 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 27.46%.

How many EVs does Ryde plan to introduce through its RydeGreen Program by 2027?

Through the RydeGreen Program, Ryde aims to introduce 1,200 EVs by 2027.

Who is the director of Atoll Discovery?

Steven Kwek, a veteran with over 25 years of experience in the automotive sector, serves as the Director of Atoll.

What is Singapore's target for EV charging points and ICE vehicle phase-out?

Singapore plans to roll out 60,000 EV charging points and phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040.