Uber, BYD Reach Global BEV Ride-Hail Agreement

Chinese auto giant BYD is teaming up with Uber to bring 100,000 new battery-electric vehicles into the company’s ride-hail fleet throughout its key global markets.

The initiative, beginning in Europe and then Latin America, is expected to offer drivers access to discounted prices and financing for BYD vehicles on the Uber platform and is hoped to expand to include markets across the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

In a joint statement the companies say that by working together they aim to bring down the total cost of BEV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerating the transition to zero-tailpipe-emission transport on the Uber platform globally.

Uber driver surveys show the price of BEVs and availability of financing remain the key barriers to switching.

To support drivers going electric, the companies’ joint efforts may also include discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance or insurance, as well as financing and lease offers.

The two companies will also collaborate on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles to be used by Uber.

Chuanfu Wang, chairman and president of BYD, says: “Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future.”