Arrival Unveils Purpose-Built EV For Ride-Hailing Services

Arrival is moving beyond electric buses and delivery vans as the company has unveiled their first Car prototype.

Designed specifically for ride-hailing services, the prototype was created with the assistance of Uber drivers and built in six months.

Arrival didn’t say much about the prototype, but it’s roughly the same size as a Volkswagen Golf and features a boxy design that maximizes space. However, the boxy appearance is broken up by a large windscreen that flows into a panoramic glass roof. The Car has also been equipped with aerodynamic wheels, a large greenhouse, and a nearly vertical front fascia.

Also Read: Arrival Signs Deal With Uber For New Ride-Hailing EVs

The minimalist design continues in the cabin as the model is largely devoid of physical switchgear. Instead, there’s a freestanding infotainment system that handles most of the vehicle’s functions and has been envisioned to show ride-hailing specific information.

While the interior looks pretty basic, Arrival said the model offers twice the legroom as a similarly sized car and actually has more legroom than a Rolls Royce. Speaking of space, the front passenger seat can be folded down and moved forward, so it partially fits underneath the dash, to maximize rear seat legroom.

The Car was designed to prioritize “cost, uptime, driver comfort, safety, and convenience.” This is important as the company noted the average ride-hailing vehicle travels around 27,962-31,069 miles (45,000-50,000 km) annually.

Arrival will begin testing the Car next year and the company’s executive vice president of vehicle platforms, Tom Elvidge, said “Electrifying ride-hailing will play a crucial role in reducing the emissions of vehicles in cities globally, providing a sustainable, clean multi-modal transportation system for communities. We are keen on supporting drivers with this transition by developing the best possible product for ride hailing that elevates the experience for both them and their passengers, making urban air clean in the process.” He also noted the model will be affordable, durable and great to look at.

Uber’s Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, added “The first reveal of the Arrival Car is an exciting moment for Uber drivers, who are switching to electric vehicles at a much faster rate than the mass market. This exciting new vehicle will support our commitment for all cars on the app in London to be fully electric by 2025, helping to drive a green recovery and clean up urban transport.”