Uber plans to convert its fleet to fully electric in London by 2025

Uber has revealed how it intends to help all its drivers make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025 under its clean air plan. To accomplish this goal, Uber plans to raise GBP200 million (USD260 million) by levying a 15-pence-per-mile charge (termed a "clean air fee") on each trip that is booked in London from next year. One penny of this 15-pence charge will be directed towards incentives for drivers who intend to switch to EVs. The remainder will be used to pay its drivers a certain amount if they clock a certain number of miles using the Uber app, and for other clean air schemes. The firm said in a statement, "For example, a driver using the app for an average of 40 hours per week could expect around GBP3,000 of support towards an EV in two years' time and GBP4,500 in three years."

Significance: Uber currently has 45,000 licensed drivers in the city and it predicts that 20,000 of these will upgrade to EVs by 2021. Apart from the clean air plan, Uber is also working on installing more charging points across the city. These initiatives are in line with London Mayor Sadiq Khan's strategy to boost the take-up of EVs in London. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a statement, "You're going to see many initiatives but what it adds up to is us moving from being a simple ride-sharing service to transforming to an on-demand mobility service. We ultimately want to be that go-to mobility platform - whether you're going to move with the car or a bike or ultimately a bus or the tube service. All this is aimed at eventually replacing car ownership itself." Uber also previously this year announced plans to stop its drivers using diesel vehicles in London.

This article was published by S&P Global Mobility and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.