Arrival reveals first images of new Uber ride-hailing electric car

Arrival has revealed its first prototype electric car which it has designed specifically for the ride-hailing industry.

Working with Uber and its drivers to develop the car, Arrival says it took just six months to reach this point thanks to the way it designs and produces vehicles.

Arrival will now commence testing of the car, before commencing the next design phase.

Tom Elvidge, executive vice president for vehicle platforms at Arrival, said: “This is a key milestone for Arrival and we’re thrilled today to be releasing the first look at the Arrival Car.

“Over the past six months, we have been working closely with Uber’s drivers to create a vehicle specifically for the ride hailing industry, and making it affordable, durable and great to look at.”

Elvidge says that electrifying ride-hailing will play a “crucial role” in reducing the emissions of vehicles in cities globally.

“We are keen on supporting drivers with this transition by developing the best possible product for ride hailing that elevates the experience for both them and their passengers, making urban air clean in the process,” he said.

Arrival announced its partnership with Uber to develop an affordable, purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) for ride-hailing drivers earlier this year. 

Jamie Heywood, regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe at Uber, said: “The first reveal of the Arrival Car is an exciting moment for Uber drivers, who are switching to electric vehicles at a much faster rate than the mass market.

“Uber drivers have been working with Arrival to provide feedback on the design of the first purpose built, fully electric car for the ride-hailing industry.

“This exciting new vehicle will support our commitment for all cars on the app in London to be fully electric by 2025, helping to drive a green recovery and clean up urban transport.”

Arrival was founded in 2015 with a mission to make air clean by replacing all vehicles with affordable electric solutions - produced by local Microfactories.

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.

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