Ride-hailing giant, Uber has inked a deal with Kia Europe under which it will offer Uber drivers discounts on Kia’s electric automobiles, including e-Soul and e-Niro models. The latest agreement is followed after a similar deal was inked with prominent automakers – Hyundai and Nissan to make it easier for Uber drivers to shift to EVs.
According to a statement by Uber, the deal does not include the South Korean company’s latest model- the EV6 variant which comes with an 800-Volt architecture as Uber is focusing on offering affordable high tech BEVs to drives in nearly 20 European markets.
Under the agreement, both Uber and Kia will work on educational campaigns and marketing to promote the adoption of electric vehicles among Uber drivers. Kia will also offer test drive options.
Notably, these agreements are a result of Uber’s announcement that focuses on becoming a ‘zero-emission mobility system’ in Europe by 2030. Nearly half of the total kilometers of Uber rides are expected to be covered by electric vehicles in nearly seven European capitals in the coming years.
The company estimates that by the end of 2021, cities like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, Lisbon, and Madrid may account for nearly 80% of Uber’s business in Europe.
A part of effort also includes customers being given a choice to opt for a zero-emission ride with Uber which will be known as ‘Uber Green’.
After being introduced in 15 cities in September 2020, the ride-sharing company widened its Uber Green roadmap for North America in January 2021. Moreover, the firm has announced that it will seek to add 1,400 more North American cities to its Uber Green service network.
Uber Green entered the European market with its launch in London in March 2021. During this time, the company inked an agreement with Nissan to supply nearly 2,000 Leaf for its drivers in London. The company claims that it will have Uber Green operating in nearly 60 major European cities by the end of 2021.
Source Credit: https://www.electrive.com/2021/06/14/kia-europe-offers-uber-drivers-discounts-on-electric-cars/