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Understanding the benefits of an electric vehicle

20 May / United Kingdom

When choosing a vehicle it’s important to weigh up the benefits. There are many reasons to make the change for a fully electric vehicle (EV). We’ve listed some of the main reasons below.

There are exclusive rewards for EV drivers on the Driver app

10% higher earnings on Uber Green vs UberX until the end of 2024
Keep the £1.50 Central London Fee on trips that start, end or pass through the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) without having to pay the fee
Up to 39% off EVs with our partners if you need to change or upgrade
Uber Pro bonus points for completing Zero-emission trips
Home charging discounts from selected partners
EV specific insurance deals just for Uber drivers

Additional benefits to going electric?

No road charges. Electric cars don’t pay to enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) until the end of 2025 in London.
Fuel savings. EVs enjoy reduced costs with cheaper home energy tariffs and public charging subscriptions. There are added savings available thanks to Uber partnerships with EV charging companies for both home chargers and public chargers.
Better for London. Driving EVs helps reduce emissions, lower air pollution levels making London a healthier place for everyone.
EV technology. EV technology makes for a great ride. Drivers who’ve made the switch say their new EVs are comfortable and easy to maintain and that their riders also love the quieter, smoother trips.
Government subsidies. The government offers grants of 75% (up to £350) towards the cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at domestic properties across the UK. More info here.

Selecting a vehicle

More and more EVs are coming onto the market giving drivers more choice in selecting the right car for you. Sites like ZapMap offer a great way to search for and compare EVs.

Going to the Electric Vehicle Marketplace gives you the latest on which EV models are discounted and deals you can currently use EV Assistance on.

Four important numbers when looking for an EV:

Price – When budgeting for an electric vehicle (EV), consider both the initial upfront costs and long-term savings from charging. Remember that the EV Assistance and Uber-exclusive discounts may reduce the purchase price for drivers.
Range – A typical driver on the app in London could expect to cover 100–130 miles in a day. The “range” or distance an EV can cover before needing to recharge, is given in miles, and largely determined by the size of its battery. So even a 40kW/h battery (like the Hyundai Ioniq 4) can average around 140 miles per charge, whereas a 75kW/h battery (Tesla Model 3 Long Range) can average around 337 miles per charge withEV tech always improving too. Determining your daily driving needs will help you find the best fit for how you plan to charge.
Charging Cost – How will you charge your EV? If you plan to install a home charger you’ll have to have your property checked for suitability beforehand. Shopping around for a great electricity tariff is a great way to save – some providers even have EV rates! If you’ll be relying on public charging you have lots of options so knowing what’s locally available is a great starting point inworking out the cost to fill your EV economically. Some chargepoint operators even offer subscriptions services to lower your kWh rates too. Read our guidance on charging here.
Charging Speed – The rate an EV can take in electricity from a charger is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Most London rapid chargers are currently 50kW, however ultra-rapid 150kW chargers are increasingly becoming more available, such as in the bp pulse x Uber charging hubs in Q-Park Pimlico and Park Lane. A typical 50kW charger can recharge a 68kWh battery from 10% to 80% in about 45-50 minutes, giving you enough range to drive about 200 miles. A 150kW charger would take just 20 minutes – assuming your vehicle can handle charging power of up to 150kW

The learning curve

Embracing electric vehicles (EVs) is an exciting journey, packed with potential benefits. Despite being a little different from conventional fuel cars, EVs have a relatively smooth learning curve. EV drivers love the vehicle’s quietness, immediate acceleration and lower running costs.

However, just like mastering any new skill, learning how to optimally charge an EV might present some initial challenges. But don’t worry, with time, you’ll find a rhythm that suits your lifestyle and drive, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Step into the world of EVs and experience the revolution that is poised to transform our roads with free test drive opportunities and find your perfect fit.

Remember, we’re here to help! Book an appointment with our EV Experts at the Greenlight Hub in London or join a GoElectric webinar to get all your questions answered and some support on your journey!

Visit the London EV Homepage

Outside of London? Go here.

Posted by Uber

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Drive