BP is to help drivers on Uber’s platform make the switch to EVs by providing access to its high-speed charging network and special offers.

The agreement is thought to be an industry first between a ride-hailing platform and an integrated energy company

The agreement, thought to be an industry first between a ride-hailing platform and an integrated energy company, will accelerate Uber’s 2040 commitment to decarbonisation while supporting BP’s own pledges.

Uber aims to have 100% of rides on the platform in electric vehicles, micromobility or public transit by 2040; BP’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero.

The partnership will initially focus on key markets, including Europe, the US and UK, to support Uber’s 2030 targets, with other countries including Australia and New Zealand to follow.

Richard Bartlett, CEO at BP Pulse, said: “Drivers on Uber’s platform need great value access to the fast, reliable charging infrastructure we’re building as they make the switch to electric. We’re investing billions of dollars worldwide in high-speed EV charging, digital products and services, and large-scale BP Pulse Gigahubs that will help commercial customers eliminate tailpipe emissions.

“I’m delighted we are building on our existing relationship and now have a global agreement to support ride-hail drivers with charging and more, at scale, helping Uber make their incredible 2040 ambition a reality.”

The two firms have been working together since 2021 when BP opened its first rapid commercial charging hub on Park Lane in London. Uber was BP’s first ride-hailing platform partner customer to get access to the new hub.

The partnership builds on Uber’s initiatives to help drivers go electric; it’s added a Charging Map directly to its Driver app to show them where the nearest EV chargers are located as well as launching an EV Hub in the Uber Driver app, providing a one-stop shop where drivers can get information and compare the cost of ownership of an EV with a non-EV.

London currently leads the way for take-up of EVs by Uber drivers; more than 15% of miles driven with Uber in London all electric. Drivers on Uber’s platform in Europe are switching to EVs five times faster than the general population, and the company aims for a 100% EV fleet in London by the end of 2025.

Christopher Hook, Uber’s global head of sustainability, said: “We want Uber to be the cleanest platform on Earth because it’s the right thing for consumers, our cities and our business. Getting to 100% electric is not something Uber can do alone. It is a team sport, and it will take partnerships like this to reach zero tailpipe emissions, especially as we know availability of easy to access, affordable charging infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges for drivers.”

BP currently has 22,000 charging points worldwide and plans to have more than 100,000 by 2030.