Uber Partners BYD To Bring 100,000 EVs to Its Platform

Uber and BYD recently announced a multi-year strategic partnership to bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform across key global markets. This partnership will kick off in Europe and Latin America, with expansion plans to include markets across the Middle East, Canada, and New Zealand.

This partnership is expected to offer Uber drivers access to best-in-class pricing and financing for BYD vehicles. By working together, both companies aim to bring down the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerating the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform globally, and potentially introducing millions of riders to greener rides.

While Uber drivers EV uptake has been promising, driver surveys show the price of EVs and availability of financing remain the key barriers to switching. With BYD coming into picture, Uber drivers will benefit from a wide range of models offered coupled with lower costs of maintenance and repair.

Additionally, both companies may also include discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, or insurance, as well as financing and lease offers, based on what works best for drivers in a given market.

Furthermore, both Uber and BYD will also explore the usage of autonomous-capable vehicles on the e-Hailing platform as Uber, the largest on-demand mobility and delivery platform in the world, is well-positioned to bring autonomous vehicle technology to a global audience at scale.

According to CEO of Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi “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.”

Meanwhile, Stella Li, Executive VP of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, also commented, “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.”

On a side this partnership could also help address the oversupply of EV issues that is often being raised. US President, Joe Biden recently cited that China produces 30 million EVs annually but can only sell 22-23 million domestically.