Uber has signed an agreement with Nissan that makes it easier for drivers using the app in Britain to get a Leaf electric vehicle.
While the deal is available to all Uber drivers in the UK, it’s mostly aimed at those working in London, who will have a fleet of up to 2,000 units of the zero-emission hatchback at their disposal, equipped with the 40 kWh battery.
The strategy is part of the ride-hailing firm’s ‘Clean Air Plan’, launched in early 2019, which aims to fight air pollution in Britain’s capital by using an EV-only fleet from 2025. A couple of years ago, Uber announced it would charge London passengers 15 pence ($0.2) per mile on every journey they take to help app drivers buy an EV.
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So far, they have raised over £80 million ($105 million) in the first year, and the number is expected to increase to more than £200 million ($262 million) over the next 5 years. The number of trips handled by EVs in the first year of the plan increased by 350 percent to 900,000, according to Uber.
“Our bold vision for London is for every driver on the app to use an all-electric vehicle by 2025”, said Uber’s Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood. “The partnership with Nissan is a hugely significant step towards meeting this goal. The Mayor of London has shown strong leadership measures relating to air quality and we’re proud to support him in delivering his vision,” he added.
One of the best-selling electric vehicles in the market, with more than 450,000 units delivered since the first-gen launched in 2010, the Nissan Leaf is now in its second generation. It offers two battery capacities, 40 kWh and 62 kWh, which deliver WLTP combined ranges of 168 and 239 miles (270-385 km), respectively. The Leaf starts at £26,345 ($34,574) in the United Kingdom, including the £3,500 ($4,593) plug-in car grant.
