AUTO

BYD and Uber Partner to Add 100,000 Electric Vehicles to Global Markets

August 1, 2024

Uber and BYD will add 100,000 BYD electric vehicles to the Uber platform in key global markets.
The partnership offers affordable pricing, financing, and discounts on charging and maintenance for Uber drivers.
Uber drivers using EVs can achieve up to four times the emissions reduction compared to regular motorists.

Uber and BYD have announced a strategic partnership to introduce 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to the Uber platform across key global markets. Starting in Europe and Latin America, this partnership will offer drivers great prices and financing options for BYD vehicles. Soon, it will expand to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

When you think of the hustle and bustle of city life, the constant hum of cars is unavoidable. But there’s a change happening—it’s quieter, cleaner, and ultimately greener. Uber, the ride-hailing giant known for its massive on-demand network, is teaming up with BYD, a leader in EV production, to drive this change.

For Uber drivers, the switch to electric is a necessity. Surveys indicate that while Uber drivers are transitioning to electric vehicles five times faster than private car owners, barriers like high prices and limited financing options still exist. This is where BYD steps in with their electric vehicles. Known for their affordability, low maintenance costs, and superior battery performance, BYD electric vehicles are perfect for the demands of rideshare services. And with Uber offering special financing and leasing options, the dream of driving an EV is becoming a reality for more drivers.

BYD Dolphin parked on dry salt flat, may soon be manufactured in Mexico — _{The BYD Dolphin is agile and versatile.}

“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. This partnership means business, and it’s also about creating a legacy of sustainability. It’s about giving drivers the tools they need to make a positive impact while also providing riders with their first experience of an EV—often on an Uber trip.

Beyond the immediate benefits for drivers and riders, Uber and BYD’s collaboration will have a broader impact. By lowering the total cost of EV ownership, more Uber drivers will be able to switch to electric, reducing emissions on a larger scale. “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,” noted Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.

This new BYD-Uber partnership goes beyond just cars. Both companies are looking ahead to the future of autonomous driving. By working together on autonomous-capable vehicles, they’re setting the stage for a world where rideshare services are both electric and self-driving. With Uber being the largest on-demand mobility platform, it has the perfect opportunity to introduce this technology to a global audience.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, expressed her excitement, saying, “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.”

China made BYD in blue parked on a shady urban street, unavailable to be purchased in America — _{The BYD ATTO 3 is an expressive and dynamic compact electric SUV.}

By making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable, they are changing not just how we get around, but also how we view transportation. This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when two industry leaders come together with a shared vision of sustainability and innovation.