Nearly two years after the UK discontinued its plug-in car grant, a new scheme has been launched to help people buy electric cars. However, this one isn't from the government—it's exclusively for Uber drivers in London.
The new grant provides London-based Uber drivers with £5,000 toward the purchase, lease, or hire of a new electric vehicle (EV). This offer can be combined with other Uber driver discounts, which can range from an additional £12,000 to £17,000 on various models, including some from Kia, potentially saving drivers up to £22,000.
On top of this, Uber is partnering with BP Pulse to give drivers up to £250 of free public charging per month for the first three months, followed by a special lower charging rate for BP Pulse users in the scheme.
Uber's investment in EVs doesn't just benefit its drivers. The company has helped Redbridge Council install 68 new charge points and plans to add 700 more public EV chargers in London.
Additionally, Uber users will get 10% off their first Uber Green trip, which uses a fully electric car. Uber also notes that its EV drivers tend to earn about 10% more per trip, though this is partly because Uber Green trips generally cost more than standard UberX rides.
Andrew Brem, Uber's UK manager, emphasised the urgency of transitioning to electric vehicles, stating, "Now is the time to speed up on electrification, not slow down. We cannot reach our collective zero-emission goals without continued action from policymakers and investment across the industry.”
"Uber drivers can be the catalyst for accelerating electrification across the transport sector but collaboration will be crucial to combat air pollution and work towards a more sustainable future.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the new scheme, saying it “will give drivers who need it a helping hand to switch their petrol or diesel vehicle for an electric one. Schemes like this are helping us to build a fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Meanwhile, non-Uber drivers still face a lack of government incentives for EV purchases. The government recently rejected calls from the House of Lords to reduce VAT on electric vehicles, citing the financial pressure such a move would impose.