Local start-up S Dreams has teamed up with Shenzhen-based automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) to wheel out an all-electric commercial car fleet to be used for popular ride-hailing service Uber. Seven of BYD's e6 cars are expected to hit the roads here next week, with the fleet having up to 30 more cars by year end; and ramping up to 1,000 by 2018.

S Dreams General Manager Jeremy Ng is confident that his fleet will be attractive to drivers, unfazed by the estimated tens of thousands of private-hire cars in the market. Under a one-year contract, drivers will earn a basic monthly wage of $1,800, which can go up to $3,000 through incentives for fulfilling more trips, driving safely, and good customer service.

"Drivers who work with us save on petrol, which is one of the highest overhead costs for Uber drivers... Our incentives also encourage our drivers to generate more revenue," Mr. Ng said. Drivers can charge their cars for free at S Dream's office in Ubi Avenue 4. The e6 can run up to 400km on a complete charge, which takes up to two hours.

Mr. Ng said its cars are also equipped with free Wi-Fi for passengers, and a collision avoidance system to boost safety. BYD Singapore General Manager Nancy Mao hopes that as the fleet grows, there could be an option in the Uber app for customers to choose a BYD car. Currently, Uber customers can ask for cars based on only size and whether they want a limousine or a saloon model.