Uber partners with BYD to bring 100,000 EVs to its global ride-hailing fleet

Uber and Chinese automaker BYD announced on Wednesday a multi-year partnership aimed at integrating BYD’s electric vehicles (EVs) into Uber’s ride-hailing platform worldwide.

As part of the partnership, Uber plans to deploy 100,000 BYD electric cars on its ride-hailing platform, beginning with markets in Europe and Latin America. The initiative aims to offer drivers competitive pricing and financing options for BYD’s EVs, with plans to expand to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

“This partnership is a landmark for us, poised to deliver significant benefits for drivers, riders, and cities worldwide,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

In addition to rolling out electric vehicles, Uber and BYD will also work on developing “autonomous-capable vehicles” for the ride-hailing platform, despite recent hikes in tariffs on Chinese-made EV imports by the EU, following similar actions by the US, the two companies said in a press release.

BYD, which overtook Tesla in January to become the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, experienced a 22% surge in global deliveries in the last quarter, surpassing Tesla by about 41,000 units. The Shenzhen-based company has maintained its lead in total vehicle production for two consecutive years and continues to expand internationally with new factories.

“Uber and BYD share a vision for a sustainable future, and we are excited to collaborate on this mission,” said BYD chairman and president Chuanfu Wang.

The partnership marks a significant step in the electrification of urban mobility, with plans to bring BYD’s advanced EVs to more cities worldwide. Last year, BYD exported over 240,000 vehicles to 70 countries and aims to more than double its vehicle exports this year.

The promotional image accompanying the announcement features the BYD Seal sedan, Seal U SUV, and Atto 3 SUV, which are available on BYD’s Europe website.

Commenting on the partnership, BYD executive vice president and CEO of BYD Americas Stella Li said, “This collaboration heralds a new era in urban mobility electrification. We look forward to our cutting-edge EVs becoming a common sight in cities globally.”

Founded in 1995 as “Build Your Dreams” (BYD), this influential Chinese conglomerate has gained prominence through its extensive portfolio spanning rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles, conventional automobiles, solar power solutions, and electronic components. BYD’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leader in the electric mobility sector, aiming to revolutionize transportation and address environmental challenges head-on.

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