UK business collaborates with Uber to construct electric ride-sharing fleet by 2023
Uber and Arrival Partner to Revolutionize Ride-Hailing with the Arrival Car
In a groundbreaking move, Uber, the US-based ride-share giant, and UK-based electric vehicle start-up Arrival, have joined forces to create a bespoke electric vehicle, named the 'Arrival Car'. This innovative vehicle is designed specifically for ride-hailing services, aiming to provide a cost-effective, efficient, and user-friendly electric vehicle that caters to the demanding needs of ride-sharing platforms.
The Arrival Car is engineered from the ground up, optimising the ride-hailing experience by focusing on durability, comfort, and operational efficiency. It boasts an electric powertrain, reducing emissions and helping drivers save on fuel and maintenance costs, crucial for high-usage scenarios typical in ride-hailing.
Arrival's modular and scalable design philosophy is also evident in the Arrival Car. By adopting this approach, the vehicle can be easily adapted to different use cases, simplifying repairs and upgrades, and enhancing uptime and reducing operating costs.
Cost efficiency is another key aspect of the Arrival Car. By targeting a lower total cost of ownership through minimised maintenance and improved energy efficiency, the car supports drivers’ profitability on platforms like Uber.
Passenger comfort and safety are also prioritised in the design. While specific details about the Arrival Car's features are yet to be revealed, it is expected to include considerations for both driver and passenger comfort, potentially integrating features tailored to improve ride experience, safety, and accessibility.
The Arrival Car project aims to combine these principles with a vehicle platform custom-developed for the ride-hailing ecosystem under Uber’s performance and operational requirements. This partnership is set to fundamentally improve the economics and sustainability of electric ride-hailing fleets.
Arrival will leverage its expertise in creating zero-emissions commercial transportation solutions, such as buses and vans, in the manufacturing process of the ride-hailing car. The company's senior vice president, Tom Elvidge, has expressed a desire to improve the passenger experience and enhance drivers' health, safety, and finances with the new ride-hailing electric vehicle.
Current Uber drivers in the UK are invited to join the design process of the Arrival Car to ensure the final product meets their needs. Uber users can currently specify to ride in an electric vehicle at no extra charge, demonstrating Uber's commitment to a greener future.
Arrival has previously partnered with UPS and hopes to replicate that success with Uber in the development of the best possible ride-hailing electric vehicle. The final design for the Arrival Car is expected to be unveiled before the end of 2021, with manufacturing set to commence in the third quarter of 2023. The design appears to be minimalistic, spartan, and avant-garde, as suggested by a bird's-eye view rendering.
With Uber committing to being a fully electric transportation provider in London by 2025 and pledging to offer fully electric transportation services across Europe and North America by 2030, the Arrival Car is set to play a significant role in this transition towards a greener, more sustainable future for ride-hailing services.
- The partnership between Uber and Arrival aims to revolutionize the finance side of ride-hailing, as the Arrival Car is designed to lower total cost of ownership for drivers, benefiting their profitability.
- The technology used in the Arrival Car aligns with Uber's goals for a greener lifestyle, as the electric vehicle will reduce emissions and contribute to Uber's pledge to become a fully electric transportation provider.
- As part of the industry's shift towards electric vehicles, the Arrival Car will cater to the transportation needs of ride-sharing platforms, offering a user-friendly, efficient, and eco-friendly riding experience for both drivers and passengers.
