Uber is set to take a bold step toward sustainable transport in South Africa with the introduction of 200 BYD electric vehicles, starting with a pilot phase in Johannesburg in 2025. The announcement marks Uber’s commitment to green mobility, reinforcing its partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD to accelerate the country’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Electric Ubers: BYD’s Presence and the Earthshot Prize Event

BYD, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has been present in South Africa for over a year and is now emerging as a significant player in the country’s EV market. The company aims to introduce affordable, fast, and sustainable EV options. This week, News24 spotted a BYD vehicle with Uber branding in Cape Town, where it was displayed as part of the Earthshot Prize, a global initiative founded by Prince William to support environmental innovation. Uber, a founding partner of the Earthshot Prize, showcased the BYD vehicles to underline its commitment to sustainability.

A spokesperson for Uber stated, “This initiative will pilot in Johannesburg in 2025, with plans for a nationwide rollout, marking a significant step towards a greener future for ride-sharing in South Africa.” The move is part of a larger global strategy announced by Uber in July, which includes rolling out 100,000 BYD EVs in key international markets.

A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Mobility

This partnership between Uber and BYD aims to reduce the barriers to EV ownership by leveraging Uber’s extensive ride-sharing platform. The companies are offering competitive pricing and financing options to make EV ownership more attainable for Uber drivers in South Africa. One Stop Mobility, BYD’s official fleet distributor in the country, is instrumental in making this initiative possible.

South Africa’s Growing EV Market

The South African electric vehicle market has seen rapid growth, yet EVs and hybrids still represent a small fraction of total new vehicle sales. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), 4,100 electric and hybrid vehicles were sold in the second quarter of this year, a significant increase from the 1,500 sold in the same period last year. However, the majority of these sales were for traditional hybrids.

The City of Cape Town, eThekwini, and Golden Arrow have already begun exploring electric mobility by adding electric buses to their public fleets. This new Uber-BYD initiative is one of the largest electric mobility projects announced in South Africa, indicating a promising future for widespread EV adoption in the country.

Challenges in the Local EV Industry

South Africa’s electric vehicle industry faces unique challenges, including high import tariffs on EVs. Currently, a 26% import tariff is imposed on electric vehicles, compared to 18% on internal combustion engine vehicles. This discrepancy makes EVs less affordable for consumers, though the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition is working to enhance local manufacturing capacity to alleviate this cost.

A Greener Future on the Horizon

With Uber’s 200 BYD electric vehicles set to hit Johannesburg streets in 2025, the country is taking a significant step toward a sustainable future for public transportation. This pilot project will not only help reduce carbon emissions but could also reshape the future of ride-sharing in South Africa.

By bringing eco-friendly ride-sharing options to our country, Uber is paving the way for a future where electric mobility is accessible, affordable, and beneficial to both drivers and passengers. With EV adoption rates rising and public awareness around environmental issues growing, initiatives like these have the power to drive a lasting shift in how South Africans approach transportation.