Why Uber is betting big on EVs

From the newsletter

Online taxi hailing company Uber has launched its first fleet of electric vehicles in South Africa, starting in Johannesburg. The company has rolled out 70 electric cars immediately and will add a further 280 by the end of January 2026. The Henrey Minicar 4-seaters were imported from China by Valternative Energy, which has partnered with Uber on the project.

• EVs are cheaper to run, enabling drivers to charge less. On launch in South Africa, a ride on an Uber electric car sampled by Mobility Rising is 21% cheaper than a fuel car. 

• Uber has already deployed electric motorcycles in Kenya and Uganda, gaining significant traction. The company could roll out electric cars in other markets. 

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