Uber to start using BYD cars in Europe, Latin America and develop ‘autonomous-capable vehicles’

Uber and Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD announced a strategic partnership on Wednesday, aiming to bring more electric and autonomous-capable vehicles to the ride-hailing platform across Europe and Latin America. This collaboration marks a significant step toward electrifying urban mobility and developing future-ready transportation solutions.

Under the multi-year agreement, Uber drivers in Europe and Latin America will have access to special pricing and financing deals for BYD’s electric vehicles. The partnership has the potential to bring 100,000 BYD cars to Uber’s platform, furthering both companies’ commitment to creating a cleaner, greener world.

This initiative comes despite recent trade challenges, with the European Union increasing tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars. Nonetheless, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expressed enthusiasm, stating, “As the largest global agreement of its kind, we’re thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities.”

BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen, has emerged as a dominant force in China’s electric car market, surpassing Tesla in total vehicle production for two consecutive years. The company is actively expanding its global presence, including investments in overseas factories. “Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future,” said BYD Chairman and President Chuanfu Wang.

The partnership also involves the development of “autonomous-capable vehicles” for Uber’s platform, positioning both companies at the forefront of technological advancements in the transportation sector.

The agreement is set to expand beyond Europe and Latin America, with plans to cover the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. BYD exported over 240,000 cars across 70 countries last year and aims to more than double its vehicle exports this year.

Stella Li, Executive Vice President at BYD and CEO of BYD Americas, emphasized the collaboration’s significance: “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.”