Uber working on low-cost electric cars with automakers – report

Uber is reportedly working with automakers to design low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to become zero-emissions platforms by 2040.

According to the report of The Wall Street JournalUber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said at an event in Switzerland last week the company is working with unnamed manufacturers of city-focused electric vehicles for ride-sharing and delivery. .

Uber has previously worked with UK startup Arrival showed it Ride-hailing service prototype in December 2021.

“I really think the top speed that many cars reach is unnecessary for city driving in regards to ride-sharing,” said Mr. Khosrowshahi.

“That can reduce the specs, and if you reduce the specs you can reduce the final cost.”

On the other hand, in terms of low-cost delivery electric vehicles, Khosrowshahi said Uber is looking at smaller vehicles with two or three wheels.

“[These delivery EVs] can get through traffic more easily and have a much smaller footprint, both in terms of the environment and in terms of traffic footprint, than, say, a car for grocery delivery,” said Khosrowshahi.

Uber previously said it was planning going all-electric from 2030 in certain markets including USA, Canada and Europe. This is part of the broader goal of becoming a zero-emissions company by 2040.

Locally, the company has halved service fees for Australian EV drivers until mid-2025, to incentivize their operators to steer clear of petrol, diesel and vans hybrid.

The policy comes after 12 months of successful trials in Australia. Uber said the move equated to a $26 million investment in the Australian electric vehicle market at the time.

According to Uber, more than 378,000 electric rides were completed between 1 July 2021 and 8 July 2022, and the number of monthly rides increased almost fivefold in Australia.

A survey conducted by Uber in 2021 said that nearly 60% of its drivers are looking to use electric vehicles by 2026, but only if it can be more cost-effective.

Uber Australia and New Zealand general manager Dom Taylor said last year the company would “lose money” on each ride with a service fee of half, but believes the “benefit” of having a large fleet of cars. The company’s switch to electric power “will be worth it”.

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