Uber and Chinese automaker BYD are planning a partnership to introduce 100,000 BYD model EVs on the Uber platform in Europe and Latin America, eventually expanding to other markets. The arrangement would offer Uber drivers access to favorable pricing, insurance, financing, and other services for BYD vehicles. Plans call for the partnership to expand to the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.
They also intend to collaborate in introducing autonomous-capable EVs on the Uber platform. BYD – China’s largest EV maker – has been rapidly expanding its reach into world markets after switching entirely to production of EVs and hybrids in 2022.
The rapid emergence of low-priced EVs from China is shaking up the global auto industry in ways not seen since Japanese makers arrived during the oil crises of the 1970s.
The European Union imposed provisional duties on Chinese electric vehicles in June, alleging that government subsidies give automakers in China an unfair advantage. Currently, BYD EVs aren’t being sold in the U.S., largely because of 27.5% tariffs on Chinese vehicle sale prices when they arrive at ports. However, Chinese manufacturers are moving production overseas; for instance, BYD has opened a plant in Thailand and plans to build factories in Brazil, Hungary, and Turkey.
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