Uber and BYD partner to introduce 100,000 EVs worldwide

The partnership, which was announced on Wednesday, will commence in Europe and Latin America before expanding to markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The collaboration between Uber and BYD promises accessible pricing and financing options for drivers wishing to switch to BYD's EVs. This initiative aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to Uber drivers across various regions. Additionally, drivers will benefit from discounts on vehicle maintenance, charging, financing, and leasing, depending on the market.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted on Reuters the environmental benefits of the switch to EVs: "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."

As part of the agreement, Uber and BYD will also work together to integrate self-driving technologies into BYD's vehicles on the ride-hailing platform. This move aligns with broader industry trends towards automation and increased efficiency in transportation.

"The companies aim to bring down the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, accelerating the uptake of EVs on the Uber platform globally, and introducing millions of riders to greener rides," the two firms said in a statement on the BBC.

Expansion amidst global EV market challenges

The announcement comes at a time when EV sales have slowed worldwide, and Chinese car manufacturers face higher import charges in markets such as the US and the European Union. Despite these challenges, BYD continues to expand its global footprint.

In July, BYD signed a $1bn (£780m) agreement to establish a manufacturing plant in Turkey. According to Turkish state news agency Anadolu, the new facility will have the capacity to produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually and is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs. Production is set to begin by the end of 2026.

Last month, BYD opened its first EV plant in South East Asia, located in Thailand. The plant will also have an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles and is projected to generate 10,000 jobs.

In Europe, BYD has announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in Hungary, marking its first passenger car factory in the region. This facility is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and further BYD's presence in the European market. Additionally, the company has disclosed plans to build a manufacturing plant in Mexico, signalling its commitment to expanding its production capabilities in North America.