British oil giant bp has struck a global partnership and charging deal with ride hailing company Uber, including in Australia, that will offer “bespoke” charging deals to Uber drivers across its EV charging network.
Uber plans to transition its entire fleet to fully electric cars and zero tailpipe emissions by 2030 in the US, Canada and Europe, and by 2040 across the rest of the world, including Australia.
The deal between the two companies will see bp offer “bespoke deals” to drivers of electric vehicles on the Uber platform, providing incentives for them to use the bp Pulse EV charging network, which currently stands at around 22,000 charging points in 10 countries.
These bespoke packages will be tailored to each country market, and the two companies will also “explore working together on convenience and fuel offers. ”
bp and Uber described the agreement as an “industry first”. The two companies will focus on key markets including Europe, the US, and the UK, with other countries including Australia and New Zealand to follow.
“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 of BP Pulse.
Uber’s global head of sustainability.Christopher Hook said the company aimed to provide the cleanest platform “because it’s the right thing for consumers, our cities and our business.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.