BYD, Uber partner to accelerate global EV transition

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries, has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Uber to introduce 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform across key global markets.

Starting in Europe and Latin America, the partnership will offer drivers access to best-in-class pricing and financing for BYD vehicles on the Uber platform, expanding to markets across the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

Both companies are leaders in their respective EV categories: Uber has the most widely available on-demand EV network globally, and BYD is a global leader in EV production. By collaborating, they aim to reduce the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerate the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform worldwide, and introduce millions of riders to greener rides.

While Uber drivers are adopting electric vehicles five times faster than private car owners, surveys show that the price of EVs and the availability of financing remain key barriers to switching. In addition to their affordability, BYD vehicles have lower maintenance and repair costs and are well-suited to ridesharing due to their wide range of models, superior battery performance, and excellent build quality.

To support drivers going electric, the companies’ joint efforts may include discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, or insurance, as well as financing and lease offers, based on what works best for drivers in each market.

The two companies will also collaborate on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles to be deployed on the Uber platform. As the largest on-demand mobility and delivery platform in the world, Uber is well-positioned to bring autonomous vehicle technology to a global audience at scale.

"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.

“As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber. “When an Uber driver switches 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, also commented, “We are elated to join forces with a global leader like Uber to not only accelerate the transition to EVs 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.”