Uber & BYD Partner To Bring 100,000 EVs To Uber's Platform

The movement to provide cleaner and greener transportation services has been in full swing in the last few years.

This includes more than just the introduction of more powerful and capable electric vehicles (EV) and extends to EV companies boosting EV charging capabilities and introducing swappable batteries, while researchers setting a new world record in wireless EV charging and more.

As the world continues to increase its interest in this eco-friendly technology, ride-hailing platform Uber and EV automaker BYD have entered a strategic partnership that’s set to boost each other’s business as well as the EV industry as a whole.

So, what does the Uber and BYD partnership consist of? Let’s explore!
 

What Is The Uber And BYD Strategic Partnership About?

 

• Through a news release published on its website, Uber announced that it had struck up a multi-year strategic partnership with BYD to bring 100,000 new BYD EVs onto its platform. 

• The partnership aims to accelerate a global EV transition and offer riders the option of availing eco-friendly, green rides.

• The move will see the BYD EVs deployed across key global markets and will begin with Europe and Latin America, with the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to follow.

• Through the partnership, Uber will offer its drivers access to best-in-class pricing and financing for BYD vehicles, bringing down the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers.

• Uber drivers are already switching to EVs five times faster than private electric car buyers; however, a survey shows that the availability and financing of remain a key challenge in driving up EV transitioning numbers.

• To facilitate an even better increase in EV adoption, the two companies will also work towards offering discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, insurance and financing and lease agreements. These benefits are subject to drivers based on the region they’re operating in.

• Furthermore, the two companies plan to work together to deploy BYD autonomous-capable vehicles on the Uber platform in the future.

• As the largest on-demand mobility and delivery platform in the world, Uber is well positioned to bring autonomous vehicles to a global audience at scale.

• On the other hand, BYD offers its users affordability, lower costs of maintenance and repair, while its wide range of models, superior battery performance and build quality make it conducive for ride sharing.

• “Both companies are EV leaders in their respective categories: Uber has the most widely available on-demand EV network in the world, and BYD is a global leader in EV production.”

 

What Did Uber And BYD Executives Say?

 

• Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said, “As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities.” 

• [Contd.] “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.”

• [Contd.] “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.”

• Chuanfu Wang, Chairman and President of BYD, said, “Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future.”

• Stella Li, Executive VP 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.”

• [Contd.] “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.”

Do you think this partnership will help BYD grow its customer base and boost its position in the EV market? Do you think Uber’s commitment to purchasing a large number of EVs will help increase its user base?

Let us know in the comments below!