Taxi platform Uber is switching to electric taxis. That will start in 2025 in Amsterdam. Drivers who do not yet drive electrically can no longer drive for Uber.
The choice of Amsterdam as the first city where Uber will only drive electrically was made because of its infrastructure. Electric driving is also becoming the norm in London, says Uber director Anabel Diaz. “London and Amsterdam are the two cities with the best infrastructure. As a driver, you shouldn’t have to look for a charging station and it should be possible to charge at night. Other Dutch cities will follow; we will keep an eye on developments there.” Uber’s goal is to have at least half of all journeys in seven major cities electric in Europe by 2025.
Uber says it ‘supports’ the 4,000 drivers who drive for the company in the Netherlands in the greening process. The company negotiates discounts from car sellers. For example, an electric Nissan Leaf can be purchased with a 20 percent discount and a discount is also available for the Renault Zoe. This has to do with a deal between Uber and Renault-Nissan, which was concluded earlier this year. There will also be lease options. “And we are making the rides with the electric taxi – Uber Green – € 2 per ride more expensive. Many people want to travel with a sustainable taxi and want to pay that surcharge for an environmentally friendly ride. We have investigated this.” € 1.50 euro of that storage goes to the taxi driver, 50 cents is for Uber, so that it is slightly more attractive for drivers to drive electrically.