Uber Technologies and BYD have announced a strategic multi-year partnership to integrate 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles into the Uber platform.
The collaboration will commence in Europe and Latin America, with plans to extend to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
It will offer Uber drivers competitive pricing and financing options for BYD vehicles.
In doing so, the partnership seeks to reduce the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, thus accelerating the adoption of EVs on the Uber platform globally.
Despite Uber drivers adopting EVs at a rate five times faster than private car owners, the high cost of EVs and limited financing options remain significant obstacles to this transition. BYD’s vehicles, known for their affordability, low maintenance costs, and suitability for ridesharing due to their superior battery performance and build quality, present a viable solution.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said:As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities. When an Uber driver makes the switch to an EV, they can deliver up to four times the emissions benefits compared to a regular motorist, simply because they are on the road more. Many riders also tell us their first experience with an EV is on an Uber trip, and we’re excited to help demonstrate the benefits of EVs to more people around the world.
To further support drivers transitioning to EVs, Uber and BYD are considering additional incentives such as discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and flexible financing and leasing options tailored to different markets.
The partnership also extends to future collaborations on autonomous-capable BYD vehicles for deployment on the Uber platform.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas said:We are elated to join forces with a global leader like Uber to not only accelerate the transition to electric vehicles but also to make green transportation accessible and affordable for everyone. This collaboration marks a new era in the electrification of urban mobility, and we look forward to seeing our cutting-edge EVs become a common sight on the streets of cities worldwide.
