Uber and electric car manufacturer BYD have announced a partnership to introduce 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to the Uber platform. The initiative will start in Europe and Latin America, before expanding to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This collaboration aims to reduce the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, promote the adoption of electric vehicles globally, and offer millions of riders greener transportation options.

The partnership between Uber and BYD will offer benefits such as discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and financing or lease options, tailored to the needs of drivers in different markets. Additionally, the two companies will work on developing autonomous-capable BYD vehicles for future deployment on the Uber platform.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, emphasized the partnership’s potential to deliver substantial emissions reductions, noting that Uber drivers can achieve up to four times the emissions savings compared to regular motorists due to their higher road presence. The initiative also aims to familiarize more riders with EVs, as many experience them for the first time during Uber trips.

Previously, Uber partnered with Waymo to introduce Waymo’s autonomous driving technology to the Uber platform, starting in Phoenix. The collaboration allowed Uber users to experience autonomous rides and deliveries through both the Uber and Uber Eats apps.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, hailed the collaboration with Uber as a significant step toward making green transportation accessible and affordable worldwide. She highlighted the potential for BYD’s cutting-edge EVs to become a common sight in cities across the globe.

Stay well-informed and be the very first to receive all the most recent updates directly in your email! Tap here to join now for free!