Renault and Nissan join with Uber to speed up EV adoption
European partnership trialled for seven cities but could be expanded globally as ride-share app cleans up its actRenault and Nissan have joined forces with ride-sharing service Uber in an effort to boost the adoption of pure-electric vehicles and slash emissions.
Signing a memorandum of understanding overnight to "explore a strong partnership to provide partner drivers on the Uber App with affordable electric vehicles in European markets, notably in the UK, France, the Netherlands and Portugal”, the allied car-makers and Uber are touting the new agreement as a major step towards the ride-share app operating a full-electric fleet in cities like London by 2025.
Covering a region that currently accounts for more than 80 per cent of Uber's European business, the pilot program is expected to be up and running before the end of 2021 and will allow users to select an EV ride instead of a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle.
Helping Uber gear up to the EV switch, Renault and Nissan will supply its ZOE and LEAF electric models to Uber drivers.
Reports suggest the car-makers will provide heavy discounts of up to $8000 from the recommended retail price.
As well as providing their vehicles at an attractive price point, Renault and Nissan plan to educate Uber drivers about the benefits of EVs.
Uber is also expected to play a major role in encouraging its drivers to shift to zero-emission vehicles and, as previously reported by carsales, has already introduced 'Clean Air Fees' to help subsidise its transition to EVs.
If successful, Uber could roll out partnerships with other EV manufacturers and take the strategy to other markets, including Australia, in its bid to slash its carbon footprint.
As well as switching to pure-electric vehicles, Uber has also partnered with both Toyota and Volvo to help develop fully autonomous vehicles with a series of trials in operation in the US.
It has also had its fair share of problems in Europe over safety and security issues, including in London where it was facing a ban from the British capital after unauthorised drivers were found to be 'hijacking' the Uber app.
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