Udrive’s hybrid pivot is here, and BYD is driving

Udrive is adding serious hybrid muscle to its car-sharing fleet. In partnership with Al-Futtaim, the company has already integrated 150 BYD vehicles and plans to reach 500 within a year.

The rollout starts with the BYD Song Plus and Qin Plus, aimed at daily UAE driving with lower emissions and smarter running costs. It’s a practical step toward the country’s Net Zero 2050 target, without asking drivers to change their habits overnight.

What’s new in the partnership

This is a strategic tie-up between BYD and Udrive in the UAE, delivered with Al-Futtaim’s electric mobility arm and supported by Hertz B2B Leasing.

• 150 BYD hybrids live in the Udrive fleet today
• Target: 500 BYD units over the coming year
• Models: Song Plus (SUV) and Qin Plus (sedan)
• Backed by Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility; facilitated by Hertz B2B

Udrive already runs a large shared fleet across Dubai and other Emirates. Adding BYD hybrids gives the platform newer tech and better efficiency, with support from a distributor that’s been building EV and hybrid operations locally.

Why it matters for UAE drivers

The UAE’s mobility push is about cleaner air and smarter transport without pain for commuters. Hybrids help bridge the gap between petrol and full EV.

• Lower fuel use vs pure petrol cars
• No charging required, so zero lifestyle change
• Supports Net Zero 2050 without waiting for more chargers
• More modern safety and driver-assist tech in fleet cars

If you’re EV-curious but not ready to plug in, these hybrids are a low-effort way to cut fuel spend and emissions. For anyone comparing powertrains, our plain-English guide to hybrid vs electric in the UAE breaks down costs and daily use in simple terms.

What’s in the first 150 BYDs

Udrive’s launch mix focuses on two models that suit city and inter-city trips.

• BYD Song Plus: hybrid SUV with space and tech for mixed family and work use
• BYD Qin Plus: hybrid sedan aimed at efficient, easy urban driving
• Rollout split: 100 Song Plus + 50 Qin Plus
• Safety and comfort features typical of BYD’s latest generations

These models cover the sweet spot most UAE drivers need: school runs, office commutes, and weekend hops to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. If you want a broader view of BYD’s local range, check our BYD UAE buying guide, or see how BYD’s commercial push is shaping fleets in the UAE with our report on BYD electric trucks for Safeline Group.

How to book and drive a BYD on Udrive

Nothing new to learn. If you’ve used Udrive before, it’s the same flow.

• Download or open the Udrive app
• Register with Emirates ID, licence and payment method
• Reserve the nearest BYD in the map view
• Unlock with your phone and start your trip
• Fuel, public parking zones and basic insurance are included in the rates

Trips can be per-minute, hourly, daily or weekly. You end the trip in the app and park in an allowed public zone within the service area. It’s straightforward, and the hybrid models should stretch your fuel dirhams further.

What’s next: scaling to 500 and the wider ecosystem

The partners signed an MoU to expand the BYD share to 500 vehicles. That builds depth in the SUV and sedan mix and broadens access to newer driver-assist features across the shared fleet.

• More hybrid availability across busy areas and peak hours
• Better variety of body styles for different use cases
• A clear path toward electrification as charging grows
• Fleet upgrade cycle that aligns with Net Zero 2050 goals

As infrastructure improves, expect more EVs to join alongside hybrids. For context on the BYD story here, read our piece on the BYD Shark 6 launch in the UAE, and our coverage of Dubai’s upcoming ultra-fast chargers.

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