A BYD car. (File photo)

Chinese automobile maker BYD is expected to increase the presence of its electric passenger car in the US market, following a pilot program with Uber.

So far, about 25 Uber drivers have been operating BYD e6 electric cars in Chicago under a program launched by Uber, BYD and local dealership Green Wheels USA.

Uber drivers can opt to pay $200 a week, with no down payment, to use the car during their shifts.

This deal also marks Uber's first experiment with electric vehicles and it expects to eventually expand the program to other US cities.