Uber Technologies, Inc. and BYD Co. Ltd. have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to introduce 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles to the Uber platform in major global markets. The initiative will start in Europe and Latin America, with plans to expand to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
This partnership aims to offer Uber drivers competitive pricing and financing options for BYD electric vehicles, to reduce the overall cost of EV ownership and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles on the Uber platform. The collaboration will also expose millions of riders to more environmentally-friendly transportation options.
Uber and BYD, leaders in the EV space—Uber with the largest on-demand EV network and BYD with its extensive EV production—will work together to address key barriers to EV adoption, such as vehicle cost and financing availability. BYD’s vehicles are noted for their affordability, low maintenance costs, and suitability for rideshare due to their diverse model range and high performance.
In addition to providing discounts on charging, maintenance, or insurance, the partnership may include financing and lease options tailored to different markets. The companies also plan to work on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles for the Uber platform, leveraging Uber’s global reach to advance autonomous vehicle technology.
“Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future,” said Chuanfu Wang, Chairman and President of BYD.
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.”
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.”