Uber and BYD launched a new multi-year agreement on Wednesday, which would place Uber drivers in about 100,000 new electric vehicles built by the massive Chinese company.
According to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, moving to EVs allows drivers to offer far more emissions benefits due to their increased road presence.
The multi-year strategic alliance, which the firms said could bring 100,000 BYD cars to Uber, comes despite the EU and the United States boosting tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles this year.
The partnership is part of Uber’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, which is highly predicated on increasing EV adoption among its drivers.
The company has previously collaborated with automakers such as Tesla and General Motors, as well as rental companies such as Hertz and charging network providers such as EVgo and Revel Transit, to provide discounts on electric vehicles and associated services.
“As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities,” said Dara Khosrowshahi.
“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.”
The two corporations intend to expand the agreement to include the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the press release.
“Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future,” Chuanfu Wang, BYD chairman and president, said in a statement in the joint release with Uber.
We earlier reported that Uber has introduced “nautical experiences” for tourists visiting Europe.
