Didi Premier Adds Sugar-Free Coke in 12 Cities, Drivers Bear Cost

Starting in August, Didi Chuxing's premium service will add 300ml sugar-free Coca-Cola to select vehicles in 12 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, alongside the existing 348ml Nongfu Spring water. The promotion is expected to last about two months. Didi described it as a "summer experience upgrade" for its premium service. Providing drinking water is a standard part of Didi's service, with procurement costs borne by drivers.

Drivers reported mixed feedback on the consumption rate of the cola. Some said cola consumption slowed significantly compared with water, with only about a dozen bottles given out per week, whereas mineral water previously could see over a dozen bottles consumed in a single day, thus saving costs. Others noted that 120 bottles of cola were depleted within two weeks, as many passengers took them away even without drinking in the car, pushing up costs due to rapid consumption. Some drivers argued that such differentiated service is not essential in transportation, especially during the summer travel peak, as it takes up trunk space. The trunk, which once held only a case of water, now must accommodate a case of cola, plus an insulated box and ice packs provided by Didi for serving chilled drinks. A six-seat driver reported that when picking up a family of four with six suitcases, the trunk could not fit everything, forcing him to temporarily store the insulated box at the community security office and retrieve it after dropping off passengers. Compared with water, cola adds extra burden, and spills during consumption could affect the vehicle's interior.

Drivers generally noted that if the car interior is heavily soiled, they can apply to Didi for cleaning fees, but they will not receive compensation for lost income while the car is being washed. A premium driver in Chengdu said that carbonated drinks in the car are prone to spraying due to bumps.

In terms of implementation, the platform adopts a combination of "self-purchase, subsidy, and incentive": drivers initially purchase 96 bottles, and Didi provides an additional 24 bottles, totaling 120. During the promotion, for every 60 premium orders completed, drivers can purchase another 96 bottles, while the platform supplies insulated boxes and ice packs free of charge. The cola is freshly produced in August and sugar-free. Drivers who complete tiered tasks such as "no complaints" or "fixed order counts" can unlock cash rewards, with procurement costs about RMB 0.4 per bottle lower than mineral water. Regarding participation thresholds, in Shanghai, some six-seat drivers were ineligible due to service scores or online hours not meeting requirements; those who qualified could also voluntarily opt out. Didi estimates that about 30% of premium drivers participate.

According to the latest financial report, Didi's second-quarter revenue was RMB 62.522 billion, up 10.8% year-on-year; China mobility income was RMB 54.778 billion, up 8.8%; China mobility adjusted EBITA was RMB 4.167 billion, up 15%. Net loss in the first half was RMB 350 million, compared with a net loss of RMB 125 million in the same period of 2025. Earlier official data showed that the tiered Qingxiang and Zhenxuan Express services saw significant growth in the second quarter: Zhenxuan Express has launched in 24 cities, with complaints down 46.32% after upgrades, a 98% positive rating, and Zhenxuan drivers earning about RMB 130 more per week on average. Previously, Didi's complimentary colored masks and children's stickers also received positive social media attention.