The next time you catch an Uber ride in several California metro areas, it could be in a Mustang Mach-E. Ford Next is collaborating with Uber on a pilot program that will allow Uber drivers to lease a Mach-E electric vehicle. The pilot program, called Ford Drive, launched in San Diego back in 2022 and has now expanded to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Vehicle deliveries in LA started last week.
Uber drivers in San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles can sign up now on the Uber Marketplace, for one to four month increments depending on location. The vehicle is delivered to the driver within two weeks, and they use the Ford Drive app to manage payments and service. In each city, the Ford Drive team works with local dealers to purchase a fleet of Mustang Mach-Es. Service and maintenance of those vehicles are conducted through dealers as well.
Ford says California is Uber’s leading North American market for EV uptake, with close to 10 percent of all on-trip miles completed in fully electric vehicles as of late 2022.
“We understand uptime and ease of use are critical to every rideshare driver. As more of them make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re building the Ford Drive program around their unique needs,” said Bill Knapp, who leads Ford Drive. “We’re glad that the initial feedback on this venture has been so strong, and it’s exciting to learn from these driver experiences to explore solutions supporting Uber and Ford’s shared electrification goals.”
Ford Drive is an initiative of Ford Next, a division that is focused on launching new business models and customer experiences.
Christopher Hook, Uber’s Global Head of Sustainability, said: “Climate change is the most urgent challenge of our time, and we must work together in order to tackle it.
“As we continue marching toward our zero-emissions goal, Uber is thrilled to partner with Ford to provide an attractive and affordable option for leasing a leading EV and help drivers lower running costs and emissions. It’s a win for drivers, their riders, and the communities where they live.”
Uber aims to be a zero-emissions platform in North America and Europe by 2030 and has pledged $800 million in incentives and resources to help drivers make the switch to electric vehicles.
Drivers of fully electric vehicles on the Uber platform in North America are eligible for the Zero Emissions incentive, which currently allows them earn an extra $1 on every Uber Rides trip (up to $4,000 per calendar year). In addition, the Mustang Mach-E is eligible for Comfort Electric, Uber’s premium zero exhaust ride offering.
One reason Uber is incentivizing drivers to go green: When high-mileage drivers make the switch to electric, communities see up to four times the emissions reduction benefit compared to the average car owner, according to Uber’s SPARK! report.
Ford says the Mustang Mach-E gives Uber drivers ample trunk space and seating for riders who are taking trips within the city or to the airport. They'll also have access to more than 85,000 charging plugs and growing through the BlueOval Charge Network.
Ford says it's investing more than $50 billion in electric vehicles through 2026. The automaker is working to deliver a 600,000 EV production run rate globally by the end of this year and 2 million globally by the end of 2026.
For more details visit forddrive.com
Photo Credit: Ford.