Uber announced Friday that it has started a test program for its drivers in Chicago, Ill. to use electric cars to give people rides around town.
The ride-sharing service will work with Chinese automaker BYD, a.k.a. "Build Your Dream," in order to give its drivers the chance to buy or lease new cars, according to Engadget. Uber's Chicago fleet currently consists 25 all-electric vehicles.
Drivers will use BYD's e6 EVs, which can travel 186 miles on a single charge, as opposed to Tesla's Model S, which has a range of 265 miles.
Despite the low driving range, the e6 has the size advantage over most other electric cars, and it is currently being used by Thriev, a chauffer service in London, Reuters reported.
Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin said the testing is the company's first attempt at focusing on electric cars, and that the Silicon Valley startup has "seen interest in the program already from current and potential Chicago partners (drivers)."
BYD's e6 has so far only been used in pilot programs in the U.S., and the company's collaboration with Uber gives it a chance to start selling its cars to U.S. drivers.
Chicago car dealership Green Wheels USA is providing electric cars for the program, as well as different payments options for Uber's drivers, Engadget reported. Most drivers currently prefer renting the e6s for $200 per week, which lets them bring their cars back to Green Wheel's lot for recharge after shifts.
The program began a few weeks ago, and there is a possibility that Uber will begin testing electric cars in other cities, Reuters reported.
Green Wheels president Doug Snower said the goal for the program is to have Uber drivers using a couple of hundred BYD vehicles by the end of the year.
