Heaptalk, Jakarta — Uber Technologies cooperates with BYD to expedite worldwide EV transition (07/31). Both parties agreed to bring 100,000 new BYD EVs onto the Uber platform across key global markets.
Debuting in Europe and Latin America, this multi-year strategic partnership is expected to offer drivers access to best-in-class pricing and financing for BYD vehicles on the Uber platform. Additionally, the partnership will expand to include markets across the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Uber operates an on-demand EV network worldwide, while BYD manages global EV production. By working together, the companies aim to lower the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerate the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform globally, and introduce millions of riders to greener rides.
Uber drivers go electric 5x faster than private car owners
Driver surveys demonstrate that Uber drivers adopt electric five times faster than private car owners. However, EVs’ price and financing availability remain the critical barriers to switching. In addition to their affordability, BYD vehicles have lower maintenance and repair costs. They are well suited to ridesharing due to the 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 a given market. The two companies will also collaborate on future BYD autonomous-capable vehicles to be deployed on the Uber platform. “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.
According to 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. Dara said, “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.”
Meanwhile, 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.”
