Hertz and Uber announced today that they will be expanding their collaboration to now offer an additional 25,000 electric vehicles across Europe. The deal will give European Uber drivers the ability to rent electric vehicles for their rideshare needs.
The expansion builds on the program that was initially introduced in the U.S. in 2021. It’s part of both companies’ efforts to electrify their fleets and allows Uber drivers to rent a Tesla or Polestar EV for $260 per week to use while they give rides on the Uber app.
“By making EVs available to rideshare drivers, we will not only contribute to reducing emissions in European cities but also expand opportunities for people to experience the benefits of electrification,” said Stephen Scherr, Hertz CEO. “As Hertz invests to create one of the largest EV fleets globally, our Uber partnership will ensure that we continue to lead in the rapidly-changing mobility landscape across Europe.”
More: Uber Becomes Latest Company To Embrace Tesla As 50,000 Set To Be Offered To Drivers By 2023
Now, starting in London and expanding to other European capitals, Uber drivers will be given the same opportunity to rent an EV for their ride-sharing use. The first rentals will be offered later this month, but prices have not yet been announced for the rental program in Europe.
The company did say, however, that pricing “will be competitive with other rentals currently offered through Uber partners in the U.K.,” and that the program includes insurance and maintenance, per Reuters.
The Polestar 2 and the Tesla Model 3 will be among the EVs on offer to Uber drivers through this program. Following its launch in the U.K., the partnership will expand to cities like Paris and Amsterdam throughout 2023.
The move to electrify will be an important one, as Uber pledged late last year to stop allowing internal combustion engine-powered vehicles on its platform by 2030. In addition to rental programs like this one, Uber also offers EV drivers an extra dollar on every trip they make, as well as discounted charging rates.
“Climate change is the most urgent global challenge which we must all tackle together – now is the time to accelerate,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s CEO. “Expanding our partnership with Hertz into Europe will significantly boost our transition to zero-emissions, helping drivers reduce running costs and cleaning up urban transport.”
