The ride sharing giant Uber and Chinese automaker BYD plan a partnership to introduce 100,000 BYD model EVs on the Uber platform. Both companies also intend to work together to introduce autonomous-capable EVs on the Uber platform
Uber could deploy driverless Chinese vehicles onto Britain’s roads after agreeing a ‘strategic partnership’ with car maker BYD.
Chinese car manufacturer BYD has announced plans to launch 100,000 BYD model electric vehicles (EVs) on Uber’s platform in Europe and Latin America, with an eye to expanding into other markets. Both companies believe this initiative will expedite the transition to EVs and they also intend to work together to introduce autonomous-capable EVs on the Uber platform.
BYD, China’s leading EV manufacturer, has been rapidly extending its global reach since fully transitioning to the production of EVs and hybrids in 2022. The swift rise of affordable Chinese EVs is causing a seismic shift in the global auto industry, reminiscent of the impact Japanese manufacturers had during the oil crises of the 1970s.
The partnership will provide Uber drivers with access to favourable pricing, insurance, financing, and other services for BYD vehicles, according to a statement released by the companies on Thursday. The collaboration is set to extend to the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
In June, the European Union imposed provisional duties on Chinese electric vehicles, alleging that government subsidies give Chinese automakers an unfair advantage. Currently, BYD EVs are not being sold in the US.primarily due to a 27.5% tariff on the sale price of Chinese vehicles upon their arrival at ports.
However, Chinese manufacturers are relocating production overseas. BYD has inaugurated a factory in Thailand and has plans to establish manufacturing plants in Brazil, Hungary, and Turkey. Uber wants all its vehicles in London to be electric by the end of 2025. and has vowed to achieve net zero emissions across the whole of the UK by 2030.
