Uber has launched a new service that will allow customers to specifically request a ride in a Tesla or Polestar electric vehicle (EV).
Called ‘Uber Comfort Electric,’ the service is launching this morning in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Dubai. Further expansion of the service will come at a later date.
Last year the company announced the purchase of at least 50,000 Teslas through a deal with Hertz. The car rental company also recently announced it was purchasing up to 65,000 Polestar 2 sedans, some of which will likely be part of the Uber network as well.
Uber Comfort Electric is part of the company’s larger goal of becoming a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040.
As part of Uber’s global commitment to becoming a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2040, we’re continuing to take steps to help you go electric. Last year, we announced a partnership with Hertz to make up to 50,000 Teslas available for drivers to rent by 2023. Now, with more electric vehicles on the road in the US than ever before, we’re excited to introduce Comfort Electric, our newest way for you to get around town in style and be a part of the climate solution. It’s as simple as tap a button and request a ride in a premium EV like a Tesla or Polestar. Comfort Electric is now available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Dubai, with more cities to come soon.
Along with the new service, Uber is also adding new features to its mobile app to help push drivers to make the switch to electric. There is a new EV cost calculator to show drivers how much they will save by ditching their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
Once they have made the switch, drivers will also be supported with a map of nearby EV chargers. The map will include the speed of the chargers, and provide a navigation route to get there.
Uber also announced a host of other new features and services. The ride-hailing company also launched:
- Uber Travel to help riders book each leg of a longer journey,
- Uber Charter will let users book buses for group gatherings, and
- Uber Eats at Stadiums to place your order from concessions at the stadium and skip the line to pick up your food when it’s ready.
The company released this video showcasing the new features, which will start at the section discussing Uber Comfort Electric.
