Uber and BYD Forge Deal to Deploy 100,000 Electric Vehicles

Uber on Wednesday (July 31) announced a multiyear strategic partnership aimed at integrating 100,000 BYD electric vehicles (EVs) into its platform across several key global markets.

The initiative will begin in Europe and Latin America, with plans to expand to the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This partnership will provide Uber drivers with competitive pricing and financing options for BYD vehicles, representing a major advancement in Uber’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

Uber, which claims to run world’s largest on-demand EV network, and BYD, a global EV manufacturer, are teaming up to overcome the obstacles that have slowed the broader adoption of electric vehicles.

The partnership is designed to enhance the overall EV experience for drivers. Beyond offering competitive vehicle pricing, the collaboration may include benefits such as discounts on charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance and insurance, as well as flexible financing and leasing options tailored to the specific needs of each market.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the scale and impact of the agreement.

“As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders and cities,” he said in a statement. “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.”

Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovating toward a cleaner, greener world. Stella Li, executive vice president of BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, said she is excited about the partnership.

“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,” she stated. “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.”

For all PYMNTS digital transformation coverage, subscribe to the daily Digital Transformation Newsletter.