(Yicai Global) Aug. 1 -- Didi Chuxing, China's largest car-hailing company, will join hands with global energy giant BP to offer new energy vehicle charging services for car owners, including ride-hailing ones, in China.

Didi Chuxing and BP have agreed to form a joint venture to build NEV charging facilities in Chinese cities, the Beijing-based ride-sharing company announced today. The JV will also manage the first pilot charging station that BP has constructed in southern China's Guangzhou.

Since last year, Didi Chuxing has been expanding its business scope by partnering with carmakers, including BAIC Group, to produce vehicles designed for ride-hailing. Earlier this month, Japan's Toyota Motor announced it will invest USD600 million in Didi Chuxing to offer financial and maintenance services. The Chinese firm started selling loans and health insurance via the platform in January. 

China, the world's largest NEV market, offers extraordinary opportunities to develop solutions for a low-carbon world, said Tufan Erginbilgic, BP's downstream chief executive.

Didi Chuxing seeks to combine its strengths with those of BP to provide car owners with better experiences across the country, said Chief Executive Cheng Wei.

Founded in 2012, Didi Chuxing has put 600,000 electric vehicles on the streets of Chinese cities with its 550 million users.

London-headquartered BP has 18,700 gas stations in 16 countries.

Editor: Emmi Laine