UBER has agreed a deal with the world’s second-largest EV maker to offer massive discounts to customers.
The ride-hailing firm will build a fleet of 100,000 motors from its new partner, starting within months.
Uber has long been a pioneer of low-emission transport, with the beloved Toyota Prius hybrid the car of choice for its UK workforce.
Now, though, the company will take a leap into the fully-electric age under its new relationship with Chinese manufacturer BYD.
The carmaker is locked in a battle with Tesla as the world’s number one EV supplier and is able to offer significant price cuts compared to the Elon Musk-helmed outfit due to heavy state subsidies.
Bosses have recently announced an acceleration of the firm’s expansion outside of Asia, with three new models launching in the UK next year.
Under the deal with Uber, BYD will supply 100,000 cars globally to be used for ferrying passengers about, beginning in Europe and Latin America before the end of the year.
This will then be broadened out to the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in 2025.
As part of the agreement, BYD will offer heavy purchase price cuts and easier access to finance deals for Uber drivers looking to make the switch.
The company has also suggested it could look into discounts on charging, maintenance and insurance, according to Autocar.
These savings would usually be expected to trickle down into lower rates for customers, with EVs expected to become the only way to travel with Uber in the near future.
The app is still on track to completely electrify its “regional fleets” in the next few years.
Drivers in London will be required to go EV-only by the end of next year.
Uber had previously partnered with British startup Arrival on a similar concept, but that ended in 2022 ahead of the latter’s collapse into administration earlier this year.
CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “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.”
It comes after the first pictures of the new BYD-rivalling Tesla model were leaked online months ahead of its expected debut.
