Uber Goes Green: Testing Fleet Of BYD e6 Electric Cars

Uber made a deal with Green Wheels and Chinese automaker BYD to use BYD's e6 electric cars. Uber's first fleet of twenty-five electric vehicles is being tested in Chicago. Uber hopes to expand its Chicago test market to include other cities and add hundreds of BYD electric cars to its fleet before the end of the year. If you're unfamiliar with China's BYD, or "Build Your Dream," you're not alone. In America, when we think of electric vehicles we may think of the Tesla or Nissan Leaf instead of BYD.

Uber's deal with BYD is intriguing for a few reasons. BYD doesn't currently sell its electric vehicles directly to consumers in the United States. Instead, BYD is focusing on electric bus sales for public transportation and fleet consumers, like taxis.

Chicago Uber drivers are able to use a BYD e6 for $200 USD per week. Green Wheels states that they are offering several programs for drivers to use their electric vehicles, but the $200 USD per week plan is the most sought-after program.

Under this program, drivers have to pick up the vehicle from the Green Wheels car depot and return it at the end of the day. There, it will be charged for the next day. After a single charge, the e6 can go up to 186 miles.

Uber's electric fleet has the makings of an eco-friendly movement, but the endeavor may add extra layers of hassle for Uber drivers. They get the privilege of driving an e6 electric vehicle, but at the cost of $800 to $1000 USD per month. Using the e6 would spare drivers the wear and tear on their on cars, but picking up and returning the e6 to its charging lot adds to driver's commute. Uber's drivers have chosen to drive for a living, so perhaps the additional driving isn't troublesome at all. Creating an eco-fleet is a unique angle, and we'll be on the lookout to see if Lyft attempts a similar effort.

Source: Reuters