Uber has joined forces with Tesla to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) among its drivers in the United States. This collaboration is a strategic move by Uber to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming emission-free in both U.S. and Canadian cities by 2030. The partnership aims to address the key barriers that Uber drivers face in adopting electric vehicles – the cost of ownership and access to convenient charging.
Exclusive incentives for Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y
As part of this initiative, Uber is offering exclusive purchase incentives of up to USD 2,000 for Tesla’s popular Model 3 and Model Y to its drivers. This incentive is in addition to the existing federal tax credits available for electric vehicle purchases. The move is a testament to Uber’s commitment to overcoming the financial hurdles that often deter drivers from transitioning to electric vehicles.
Andrew Macdonald, Senior Vice President of Mobility and Business Operations at Uber, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in addressing the primary concerns expressed by Uber drivers. The cost of ownership and the accessibility of convenient charging infrastructure emerged as the top two barriers, and Uber, in partnership with Tesla, is actively working to tackle these challenges.
Streamlined purchase process through referral codes
Under the initiative, Uber drivers can use a referral code to purchase Tesla vehicles directly from the company’s factory or from available inventory, subject to availability. To qualify for the exclusive incentives, drivers must complete the purchase and receive the vehicle by March 31, along with completing a minimum of 100 trips by May 15. This structured approach ensures that the benefits are extended to drivers who actively contribute to Uber’s operations.
Test drive events and data sharing
To further enhance the adoption of electric vehicles, Uber has initiated test drive events at Tesla stores, allowing drivers to experience the benefits of Tesla’s EV lineup firsthand. Additionally, Uber has commenced sharing data with Tesla, starting with New York City, to identify locations where drivers require additional charging infrastructure. This data-driven approach aims to strategically deploy charging stations in areas where Uber drivers predominantly operate.
Current status of Uber’s electric vehicle fleet
As of the previous year, Uber reported having 74,000 active EV drivers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. This collaboration with Tesla is expected to contribute significantly to increasing the adoption rate of electric vehicles among Uber drivers, aligning with the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
Uber’s collaboration with Tesla signifies a major step forward in encouraging the use of electric vehicles within the ride-hailing industry. By addressing the key challenges faced by drivers, Uber aims to pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in urban mobility. The strategic partnership between Uber and Tesla showcases a shared commitment to fostering electric vehicle adoption and reducing the carbon footprint associated with ride-hailing services.