Uber takes the first step towards electrification in ride-sharing

Uber Canada has announced the launch of the UberÉLECTRIQUE programme in Montréal in partnership with l’Association des véhicules électriques du Québec (AVEQ) and Electric Mobility Canada (EMC).

This is Uber Canada’s first step towards supporting more electric mobility in ride-sharing.

Working with approximately 100 drivers who currently operate an electric vehicle (EV) on the Uber platform, whilst leveraging the expertise of AVEQ and EMC, Uber will assess the opportunities and challenges of electrification in ride-sharing.

Included in the initiative will be the deployment of EV educational materials across Montréal. When requesting an Uber, riders will now receive an in-app notification when they have been paired with an EV. Once in the car, an AVEQ fact sheet will be offered to riders so they can learn more about the benefits of electric mobility and after the trip, riders will receive an email containing additional information on EVs.

“We are proud that Montréal has been chosen for the launch of the UberÉLECTRIQUE programme and we look forward to contributing to the electrification of transportation in Quebec with the support of experts from AVEQ and EMC,” stated Jean-Christophe de Le Rue, spokesperson for Uber Canada. “Uber believe that the future of urban mobility needs to be shared, electric and autonomous – this announcement is another step towards this goal, which will reduce congestion and pollution, while offering a reliable alternative to driving your personal vehicle.”

Driver-partners will be encouraged to consider an EV when making their next car purchase and an AVEQ Gold Membership will be offered free-of-charge to UberÉLECTRIQUE’s first 100 driver-partners.

In addition, Uber is making a series of app improvements specifically for EV driver-partners. The threshold for EV partners to be notified about a long-distance trip request will be reduced; helping them to balance trips with car battery life.

“AVEQ is pleased to see a player like Uber turn to the electrification of transport, which will allow even more residents to be aware of the economic and environmental benefits of electric cars,” said Simon-Pierre Rioux, President of AVEQ.

Thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding signed with EMC and AVEQ, Uber intends to share data on UberÉLECTRIQUE statistics with EV partners with the goal to share findings and support policies that favour electrification in ride-sharing. 

“EMC is eager to begin working with Uber to promote electrification with driver-partners and ride-sharing users,” stated Catherine Kargas, Chair of EMC. “The awareness and education Uber will be offering will have a significant impact in making Quebec a model for sustainable transportation.”