Electric vehicle and battery firm BYD has announced a multi-year strategic global partnership with Uber.
The deal will bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform across key global markets, beginning in Europe and Latin America.
It will offer drivers access to best-in-class pricing and financing for BYD vehicles on the Uber platform and will expand to include markets across the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
By working together, the companies aim to bring down the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerating the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform globally.
While Uber drivers are going electric five times faster than private car owners, driver surveys show the price of EVs and availability of financing remain the key barriers to switching.
To support drivers going electric, the companies also said there could be discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, or insurance, as well as financing and lease offers – depending on specific markets.
The two companies will also collaborate on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles to be deployed on the Uber platform.
Chuanfu Wang, Chairman and President of BYD, said:
“Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future.”
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said:
“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.”
Image from BYD/Uber
