Uber and C40 Cities have launched a new international partnership to improve access to electric vehicle charging in London, Boston, and Phoenix, aiming to support over 55,000 high-mileage Uber drivers who currently lack affordable, convenient charging options.
With charging access now ranked as the top barrier to EV adoption, above and beyond vehicle cost, this programme will provide technical support, policy guidance, and research to help cities expand infrastructure where it’s needed most.
To support this shift, Uber is also rolling out the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Estimator (EVIE) tool. Designed to help local governments plan smarter, EVIE can pinpoint specific neighbourhoods – at a 1km² resolution – where new chargers will have the greatest impact.
The tool is launching in 40 cities globally, offering detailed demand forecasts to accelerate EV adoption among high-mileage drivers, who can deliver up to four times the emissions savings compared to typical motorists.
In Europe, Uber has signed a deal with e-mobility provider Vmoto to support 100,000 Uber riders in switching to electric scooters by 2030.
Uber riders, rental operators and fleets in seven key European cities (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris and London) will have access to exclusive discounts across Vmoto’s electric scooter range.
In addition, Vmoto is also building the first pilot battery swapping network in London, allowing couriers to quickly swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones at dedicated swap stations, dramatically reducing downtime and the infrastructure challenges of home charging.
Uber have recently invested £5 million in charging infrastructure across three London boroughs where there are significant numbers of ride-share drivers but which were previously underserved by charging infrastructure. The latest data from one of these borough, Newham, shows that usage is more than double the national average.
Rebecca Tinucci, Global Head of Sustainability, Uber, said: ‘Uber is committed to an all-electric future. With the right charging infrastructure in place, drivers can earn more, deliver a better rider experience and help tackle air pollution. We’re proud to partner with C40 and city leaders to help unlock EV infrastructure where it is most needed. Reliable, accessible charging will help accelerate economic opportunity for thousands of drivers and create healthier communities in the process.’
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