The agreement, thought to be an industry first between a ride-hailing platform and an integrated energy company, will see the companies use their global footprints to help drivers transition to EVs by providing access to reliable and convenient charging, including at ultra-fast speeds.
Uber aims to have 100% of rides on the platform in electric vehicles, micromobility or public transit by 2040; BP’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero.
Uber and BP will initially focus on collaborating in several key markets including Europe, the US and UK to support Uber’s 2030 targets, with other countries including Australia and New Zealand to follow. Regional teams from the two companies will now work together to offer drivers on Uber’s platform bespoke access to BP Pulse’s high-speed charging network, including special offers.
“Drivers on Uber’s platform need great value access to the fast, reliable charging infrastructure we’re building as they make the switch to electric,” said Richard Bartlett, CEO, BP Pulse. “We’re investing billions of dollars worldwide in high-speed EV charging, digital products and services, and large-scale BP Pulse Gigahubs that will help commercial customers eliminate tailpipe emissions.
“I’m delighted we are building on our existing relationship and now have a global agreement to support ride-hail drivers with charging and more, at scale, helping Uber make their incredible 2040 ambition a reality," Bartlett added.
Uber was bp’s first ride-hailing platform partner customer to get access to the new hub which provides charge points to drivers on the Uber platform. London is Uber’s leading market for electrification, with over 15% of miles driven with Uber in London all electric. Drivers on Uber’s platform in Europe are switching to EVs five times faster than the general population, and the company aims for a 100% EV fleet in London by the end of 2025.
Christopher Hook, Uber’s global head of sustainability said: “Getting to 100% electric is not something Uber can do alone. It is a team sport, and it will take partnerships like this to reach zero tailpipe emissions, especially as we know availability of easy to access, affordable charging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges for drivers."
BP currently has 22,000 charging points worldwide, with operations in ten countries. The company is investing billions globally in EV infrastructure and is currently installing hundreds of charge points every week. The ambition is to have over 100,000 charge points worldwide by 2030. This investment helps address the concerns of ride-hailing drivers, as identified in a recent survey of 16,000 drivers on the Uber platform, by providing the reliable and convenient charging infrastructure they need to feel confident about making the switch to electric.
