Summary
- Ammar has been driving a BYD Atto 3 as an Uber for 22 months and has put over 150,000 km on his odometer
- He chose an electric vehicle (EV) mainly due to rising petrol costs and compared it to a Tesla Model 3
- Ammar’s charging costs for the EV are much lower than petrol costs, with service costs ranging from $160 to $500 every 20,000 km
- The battery degradation of the BYD Atto 3 has been minimal, with a range drop from 400 km to 330 km over time
- Uber is shifting towards electric vehicles, with plans for all rides to be electrified within 10-15 years
Article
Ammar has been driving a BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle for Uber for the past 22 months, putting over 150,000 km on his odometer. He has noticed an increasing number of Uber drivers switching to battery electric vehicles, including brands like Tesla, BYD, Polestar, and MG. The high mileage achieved by his electric car is dispelling the misinformation that electric drivetrains do not last as long as fossil fuel ones. Ammar shared his positive experience driving the BYD Atto 3, highlighting the cost savings and convenience of owning an electric vehicle.
Before switching to an electric vehicle, Ammar used a petrol Toyota Camry and decided to go electric mainly due to rising petrol costs. He compared the expenses of owning and operating a petrol car versus an electric car, showcasing significant savings on fuel costs with his BYD Atto 3. The affordability of the BYD, along with incentives and interior quality, played a significant role in his decision to choose this electric vehicle over others. Despite some minor issues with the car, Ammar has been satisfied with its performance and capabilities for Uber driving.
The comparison between driving a petrol car for Uber versus an electric car revealed substantial savings in charging costs for Ammar, along with lower service costs and overall expenses. The durability and longevity of the electric drivetrain have proven to be reliable for high mileage usage, with minor maintenance issues being promptly attended to by the manufacturer. Ammar’s positive experience with the BYD Atto 3 showcases the viability and practicality of electric vehicles for rideshare driving, contributing to the transition towards a zero-emission transportation future.
Addressing concerns about battery degradation, Ammar shared that the range of his BYD Atto 3 has slightly decreased over time but remains above 90% capacity after 140,000 km of driving. Comparing his experience with other Uber drivers using Tesla vehicles, the battery degradation has been minimal for high mileage usage, indicating the resilience of electric vehicle batteries. Ammar plans to keep his current car until the battery range drops significantly, considering options for replacement or battery upgrade based on cost and feasibility.
Looking ahead, Ammar expressed his intention to consider other EV brands when the time comes to replace his current vehicle, although he would choose BYD again if he had to make a decision today. The transition to electric vehicles in the rideshare industry is expected to continue, with Uber aiming for all rides to be electric within the next decade. Ammar’s positive feedback from riders and the overall satisfaction with his BYD Atto 3 reflect the growing acceptance and appreciation of electric vehicles among the Australian public, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
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