The car will go into production at the end of next year.
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The upside and challenge
Turning to an entirely electric fleet is an undeniably good thing.
In cities, where most Uber rides occur, it will help reduce emissions and noise pollution.
At present, Uber gives drivers a number of kickbacks for driving an electric vehicle in the UK.
There are preferential finance deals with a number of electric carmakers such as Kia, Nissan, and Hyundai.
For drivers in London, an extra 3 pence per mile is added to fares, to boost earnings.
Now, theres one important thing to keep in mind.
Uber uses these kinds of financial benefits as incentives,and they dont last forever.
The service fee will no doubt return to normal.
What about choice?
While Uber and Arrival are designing the car specifically for ride-hailing drivers, its not an exclusive deal.
This means that any ride-hailing worker could use this vehicle.
Perhaps the companies might even make it available to conventional taxi firms too.
How Uber offers this vehicle to drivers though will be crucial to its success.
At present, Uber drivers use their own vehicles, so long as they meet the ride-hailing companys standards.
It would also be yet another contradiction of Ubers own belief that drivers should remain independent contractors.
Do EVs excite your electrons?
Do ebikes get your wheels spinning?
Do self-driving cars get you all charged up?
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
