Uber has partnered with Car Empire to offer secondhand electric vehicles (EVs) from Japan to its drivers in Australia. The goal is to increase the number of EVs in the market and work towards achieving net zero emissions on its platform by 2040.
Currently, only 0.6 percent of the second-hand car market in Australia consists of EVs. To address this, Uber will provide discounted EVs to its Rideshare and Uber Eats drivers, starting with drivers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Under the partnership with Car Empire, drivers will have access to affordable used Nissan Leaf EVs with a three-year warranty and roadside assistance for $124 (US$80) per week.
Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, expressed excitement about the partnership with Car Empire and the opportunity to accelerate the adoption of EVs on their platform.
David Cosgrove, Director of Car Empire, highlighted the limited availability of used electric vehicles in Australia and the positive impact of importing quality EVs from Japan to reduce emissions.
The Electric Vehicle Council CEO, Samatha Johnson, commended Uber for facilitating EV ownership for rideshare and delivery drivers, emphasizing the importance of decarbonizing Australia’s transport sector.
In addition to offering discounts on EV charging and fuel savings, Uber drivers can qualify for Uber Green and Comfort trips with the Nissan Leaf car. Uber also introduced a CO2 Emission Savings tracker tool for passengers to monitor their emissions savings.
On the financial front, Uber reported record profits in the second quarter, with a significant increase in bookings and earnings. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted the strong growth of Uber’s consumer base and the earnings of drivers and couriers.
Moreover, a government report revealed a rise in EV sales in Australia, with EVs accounting for 9.4 percent of new vehicle sales by April 2024. The charging infrastructure has also expanded to support fast and ultra-fast charging locations across the country.
The government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) Bill 2024, set to come into effect in 2025, aims to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from road vehicles and enforce emissions targets to reduce environmental impact.
