10,000 electric vehicles will be imported from China and will be offered to Australian Uber drivers under an ownership scheme.
The vehicles are being imported through a partnership between Uber and EVDirect, the Australian distributor for BYD, a prominent Chinese electric car manufacturer. This partnership aims to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem while revitalizing the electric vehicle market.
Uber is making these electric vehicles accessible to drivers, promoting the ownership of eco-friendly vehicles. The BYD Atto 3, with a starting price of $48,000, will be available to drivers through EVDirect, with financing options beginning at $269 per week. After four years, drivers can own the vehicles outright, making electric vehicle ownership more affordable and enticing for Uber drivers.
Some of these electric vehicles are expected to be sold to private buyers in as soon as 12 months. This move is projected to invigorate the second-hand electric vehicle market, ultimately making electric vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Uber Australia has committed to a green future, vowing to eliminate emissions from its operations by 2040. To achieve this goal, Uber has introduced “Comfort Electric,” a program that guarantees clean and eco-friendly transport to its passengers. Part of this initiative is “Uber Green,” a platform that allows customers to choose rides in electric or hybrid electric vehicles.
Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber Australia, stated that Uber would provide businesses with data on reduced pollution resulting from the use of electric vehicles. This data will help businesses include emissions reductions in their reports and contribute to corporate climate targets.
The cost of electric vehicles has dropped significantly, making them the most cost-effective choice for drivers and increasing their take-home pay. Uber’s analysis in 2021 identified the high upfront cost of electric cars as a barrier to adoption. However, their 2023 analysis, using the BYD Atto 3, indicates that electric vehicles have become the most affordable option.
Uber aims to extend emissions-free rides to the general public soon. With about 150,000 active Uber drivers each month and 2,400 electric vehicles currently operating on the Uber ride-sharing platform, the demand for eco-friendly transportation is on the rise.
Luke Todd, CEO of EVDirect, believes this collaboration with Uber is just the beginning. He emphasized that as people recognize the cost savings and ease of transitioning to electric vehicles, the movement toward electric cars will gain momentum. EVDirect’s approach allows drivers to rent a vehicle for one year, after which EVDirect will take it back and sell it as a second-hand vehicle, contributing to a wave of repurposed electric vehicles entering the second-hand market.
Uber’s move toward electric vehicles marks a pivotal moment in the transition to a greener, more sustainable ride-sharing industry, aligning with the global shift toward environmentally friendly transportation options.
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