Arrival to make an electric car for Uber drivers

Electric commercial vehicle brand Arrival will develop an electric car to be used by ride-hailing drivers.

The Arrival electric car is being designed in partnership with Uber, to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Arrival says the car will be ready to enter production before the end of 2023.

Following the launch of Uber’s Clean Air Plan in London two years ago, more than £135m has been raised to support drivers with the cost of switching to a fully electric vehicle.

Uber’s focus is now to encourage drivers to apply for EV Assistance under the Clean Air Plan. This will help clean up urban transport and drive a mass market for EVs.

The Arrival Car will join Arrival’s previously announced commercial products, the Bus and Van, to provide cities with a multi-modal zero-emission transportation ecosystem that they require in order to meet their sustainability goals over the coming years.

This integrated transportation ecosystem is expected to create cleaner, more equitable mobility solutions for people living in cities that Arrival believes will have a radical impact on their health and opportunities.

Tom Elvidge, SVP Arrival Mobility UK said: “We are confident that electrifying ridehailing vehicles will have an outsized impact on cities, and we are keen to support drivers as they manage this transition.  

"Arrival Car will be designed around drivers’ needs to create a vehicle that is affordable, durable and desirable."

He continued: "We have a great partnership with UPS to create a best-in-class electric delivery vehicle, and we hope to replicate that success with Uber as we develop the best possible product for ride hailing that elevates the experience of the passenger and improves drivers’ health, safety and finances.”

As a typical ride-hailing vehicle will on average drive 28-31,000 miles a year, versus 7,500 miles for a typical vehicle, Arrival Car will prioritise driver comfort, safety, and convenience, while ensuring the passengers enjoy a premium experience. 

With this in mind, Arrival will collaborate with Uber drivers in the design process over the coming months to ensure the Arrival Car reflects the needs of professional drivers and their passengers, with the final vehicle design expected to be revealed before the end of 2021.