Uber's ambition to transition its driver fleet to clean energy by 2030 appears to be on track. The ride-hailing business revealed today that over 15,000 Uber drivers have agreed to hire Tesla automobiles through its relationship with Hertz. Uber claims the agreement is their biggest expansion into electric vehicles, with over 5 million Tesla trips traveling over 40 million miles since the initiative began last year.
Uber and Hertz to Increase Access to Electric Vehicles Like Tesla
Through its agreement with Hertz to increase access to electric vehicles, Uber stated that the vehicles are already in the hands of its drivers in more than 30 US locations. Hertz launched a major initiative last year to electrify its rental car fleet, led by a massive purchase of 100,000 Tesla Model 3 vehicles to be delivered over the next year, aided by a large ad campaign featuring Tom Brady.
The transaction also lifted Tesla to the trillion-dollar mark. In April, Hertz announced a large 65,000-unit order of Polestar 2 vehicles, which would be available for rental by the end of the year.
Consumers' interest in and demand for electric vehicles is at an all-time high, especially given the rising expense of gasoline. The same is true for Uber drivers, who are responsible for the price of recharging their vehicles regardless of what gasoline they use.
According to Andrew Macdonald, senior vice president at Uber, the project is a triumph for drivers who are also pleased to be contributing to the climate solution. They are also pleased with the higher profits they receive as a result of gas savings, electric car incentives, and other tips.
Electric Vehicles Are Helping Uber Drivers by a Mile
Uber's evaluation of its drivers' all-electric experience was overwhelmingly positive. According to one of Uber's program drivers, electric vehicles handle mileage quite well. According to Uber, 95 percent of drivers renting Teslas through Hertz had never driven an electric vehicle on the platform before, and 92 percent are now contemplating buying an electric vehicle as their next vehicle.
"To date, more than 15,000 drivers have rented a Tesla through this program - and they're making a real impact. Together they've completed more than five million fully-electric trips and driven over 40 million electric miles."
The initiative looks to be a success, with high driver satisfaction. Uber drivers pay only $334 per week to hire a Tesla Model 3, which includes insurance and maintenance, and some drivers report saving more than $160 per week on petrol alone.
In addition to paying for the rental cost with gas savings, Uber compensates drivers of battery-electric vehicles an extra $1 per trip for up to $4,000 per year, and it just unveiled the "Comfort Electric" option, which pays drivers more when Uber passengers pick an electric ride.
Although it is not currently accessible everywhere, eligible drivers can rent Tesla automobiles through Hertz in the following cities:
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Connecticut, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis - St. Paul, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, NYC suburbs, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St Louis, Tampa Bay, Washington, DC
To be eligible for a Tesla rental, Uber drivers must have completed at least 150 rides and have a 4.85-star rating. The Tesla costs around $300 per week to rent, and drivers are registered in the company's newest "Uber Green" ride-hailing category.
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