Octopus, Uber in UK electric car partnership

Energy giant Octopus Energy, in collaboration with ride-sharing company Uber and vehicle manufacturer BYD, has introduced an innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging package tailored specifically for Uber drivers in the UK.

The groundbreaking deal, unveiled at Uber’s annual climate event, aims to facilitate the transition to sustainable transportation by offering up to 1,000 complimentary home chargers to UK-based Uber drivers who purchase any BYD electric car and enroll in the exclusive EV specialist tariff – Intelligent Octopus Go.

Octopus Energy elaborates that under this tariff, the operational costs amount to as little as 2p per mile for an average EV driver, presenting a remarkable six-fold reduction in expenses compared to running a petrol vehicle.

By leveraging this offer, Octopus anticipates that, in conjunction with the complimentary home charger, Uber drivers can expect a staggering tenfold cost-saving when charging an EV as opposed to refueling a petrol vehicle.

Furthermore, participating drivers stand to gain an 8% discount on the Octopus Electroverse card, granting them access to a network of over 850,000 charging points worldwide.

Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy’s Founder, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration:

“Octopus stands at the forefront of EV charging innovation, and it is truly thrilling to join forces with Uber and BYD to extend affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation options to thousands of Uber drivers and hundreds of thousands of riders. With Octopus’s cutting-edge smart charging technology, BYD’s exceptional vehicles, and Uber’s commitment to sustainable mobility, the revolution in transportation has undoubtedly commenced.”

Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, also weighed in on the initiative:

“With over 180,000 EVs already operational on Uber’s platform, drivers are transitioning to electric vehicles at a rate five times faster than the average motorist. However, there is still much ground to cover. The latest enhancements and partnerships announced today are aimed at accelerating the electrification process and simplifying sustainable choices for drivers, consumers, and businesses alike. Tackling climate change is a collective effort, and it is imperative that we all intensify our collaboration in this crucial endeavour.”