Uber is taking a big step toward sustainable transportation in South Africa by introducing 200 electric vehicles (EVs) starting in 2025.
The initiative, part of Uber’s global effort to reduce carbon emissions, will kick off with a pilot program in Johannesburg, aiming to encourage green ride-sharing in South Africa and promote environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
The electric cars will be supplied by BYD, a well-known Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that has been expanding its presence globally and in South Africa.
The partnership aims to make BYD EVs for Uber drivers more accessible through better pricing and financing options, helping to address the affordability challenges that often hinder EV adoption.
By introducing these vehicles, Uber hopes to encourage more drivers to make the switch to affordable electric cars in South Africa, enabling them to benefit from lower running costs and better earnings.
Uber’s efforts come at a time when the electric vehicle market in South Africa is experiencing growth, despite challenges like high import tariffs.
Currently, EVs face a 26% import tariff compared to 18% for traditional vehicles, making them more expensive for consumers.
The government has been working on boosting local manufacturing to reduce these costs, and Uber’s initiative aligns with these efforts to promote a more sustainable future.
With this project, Uber is not only reducing carbon emissions but also demonstrating the potential of electric ride-sharing in South Africa.
The arrival of 200 Uber electric vehicles in South Africa represents one of the largest steps toward electric mobility in South Africa and complements similar efforts in cities like Cape Town and eThekwini, where electric buses are being added to public transport systems.
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