Uber signs pact to access bp pulse's high-speed EV charging network

bp and Uber have recently announced a new global mobility agreement which will see the companies work together to help accelerate Uber's commitment to become a zero-tailpipe emissions mobility platform in the US, Canada and Europe by 2030 and globally by 2040. 

The companies claim to 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 all of the rides on its platform in electric vehicles, micro-mobility or in public transit by 2040. bp's ambition, on the other hand, is to become a net zero company by 2050, and to help the world get to net zero.

They will initially focus on collaborating in 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, according to their joint statement. 

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"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. 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", said Richard Bartlett, CEO, bp pulse.

"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", he 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 percent of miles driven with Uber in London all electric.

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Christopher Hook, Uber's Global Head of Sustainability, commented on the development, "We want Uber to be the cleanest platform on Earth because it's the right thing for consumers, our cities and our business. 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 globally in EV infrastructure and is currently installing hundreds of charge points every week, with an aim to achieve 100,000 charge points worldwide by 2030. 

The partnership builds on Uber's initiatives to help drivers go electric, including adding a 'Charging Map' directly to the Driver app to show them where the nearest EV chargers are located as well as launching an EV Hub in the Uber Driver app, the company claims.