Uber spurns Tesla and will start using BYD cars in Europe, Latin America and develop ‘autonomous-capable vehicles’

Uber plans to use 100,000 electric BYD cars on its ride-hailing platform, starting in Europe and Latin America, the two companies announced Wed.

The companies will also develop "autonomous-capable vehicles" for Uber’s ride-hailing platform, the press release said.

The multi-year strategic partnership comes despite the EU following the U.S. this year in raising tariffs on imports of Chinese-made electric cars.

"As the largest global agreement of its kind, we're thrilled about the benefits this partnership will deliver for drivers, riders, and cities," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in the release.

"Uber and BYD share a commitment to innovate towards a cleaner, greener world, and I am excited to work together towards that future," Chuanfu Wang, BYD chairman and president, said in a statement in the joint release with Uber.

The two companies plan to expand the deal to cover the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the press release said.

Last year, BYD exported more than 240,000 cars across 70 countries. The company aims to more than double those vehicle exports this year.