Uber Aims to Add EV Drivers

Uber Technologies Inc. is launching pilot programs in seven North American cities to help increase the use of electrified vehicles by its drivers.

The EV Champions Initiative aims to deliver more than 5 million rides in EVs over the next year. The company hasn’t indicated how many EV drivers it currently uses. But it notes that recruiting them has been difficult because of their range anxiety and concern about access to fast-charging stations.

To help build a “green” fleet, the ride-hailing company will pay drivers of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles a bonus worth as much as a $1 per ride—maxing out at $20 per week—over their base fee. Different incentive structures will be tested in the various pilot cities.

Uber also is tweaking its smartphone driver app to help locate nearby battery charging stations. And EV drivers will be provided information about destinations before they agree to pick up a rider to ensure they have enough battery power for longer trips. Passengers also will be notified that they’ve selected an EV.

In addition, Uber plans to help educate drivers about perks such as high-occupancy-vehicle access for single occupants and available local and state rebates. The company is partnering on the program with the University of California-Davis, electric utilities and various nonprofit agencies to find ways to boost levels of EV adoption.

The year-long program is scheduled to run in Austin, Los Angeles, Montreal, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. Uber conducted similar tests last year in Pittsburgh and Portland.