Kia Europe and Uber have announced an electric mobility partnership designed to accelerate adoption of zero-emission battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across Europe.
The partnership will see Kia offer its range of BEVs, including e-Niro and e-Soul, to Uber drivers at a discounted rate. Kia and Uber’s agreement will see drivers offered BEVs in 20 European markets.
Kia’s e-Niro offers a real-world driving range of 282 miles for the 64kWh model. Kia added charging the e-Niro’s lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80% takes only 54 minutes using a 100kW DC fast charger.
“This exciting partnership with Uber heralds another important milestone for BEVs and sustainable zero-emissions mobility in Europe”, Jason Jeong, president at Kia Europe, said.
“Making sure that the air is clean in congested city and town centres – as well as ensuring these spaces are quiet and free from vehicle noise pollution – is at the very top of our agenda. This important partnership with Uber is a significant step forward in realising that goal and we are very proud to be able to offer our advanced BEV range, starting with the e-Niro and e-Soul models.”
The collaboration follows Uber revealing that it is targeting dramatic reductions in carbon emissions, with plans to become a zero-emission mobility platform across Europe by 2030. Uber is aiming to reach over 100,000 BEVs across its European platform by 2025. It is working to have half of its kilometres driven in seven European capitals (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon, London, Madrid and Paris) to be in zero emission vehicles by that time.
Anabel Diaz, regional general manager for EMEA, Uber added: “We’re proud to be working with Kia to make sure drivers across Europe have access to best-in-class electric vehicles at an affordable price. Zero-emissions mobility is more than just an aim for us – it’s a necessity.
“As Europe continues to reopen, we are committed to playing our part in cleaning up urban transport, so this partnership is crucial in our efforts to advance the electrification of our platform across Europe by 2030.”
As previously reported by CiTTi, Uber is also working with Hyundai, Nissan and Renault to accelerate EV adoption.
