London-based electric vehicle startup Arrival has partnered with mobility giant Uber to create “an affordable, purpose-built electric vehicle for driving drivers.”
The “Arrival Car” is expected to go into production in the third quarter of 2023 and is being developed in collaboration with Uber drivers. “Driver comfort, safety and convenience” will have priority. A final design concept should be announced by the end of this year.
The move marks Arrival’s first foray into the passenger car sector after unveiling its commercial electric bus and delivery van concepts. A preview image, although true to detail, suggests that the car will adopt the company’s minimalist design elements, with an emphasis on providing a spacious and airy interior.
Together, Arrival’s three electric vehicles will provide an “integrated transport ecosystem” designed to help cities reduce emissions.
The announcement of the project follows Uber’s recent promise to have an all-electric fleet in London by 2025 and across North America and Europe by 2030. Uber customers can already ride an electric car at no additional cost, the company claims. More than 3.5 million Uber trips in London have been made in all-electric vehicles.
According to Arrival, the typical hail vehicle, of which around 30 million are in use worldwide, covers an average of 28,000 to 31,000 miles per year, compared to the average annual use of private vehicles of around 7,500 miles.
Last year, the mobility company partnered with Renault and Nissan to facilitate the wider use of electric vehicles in its European fleet. Under the deal, Uber drivers were offered financial incentives for the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf, as well as a training program on the benefits of using electric vehicles.
Tom Elvidge, Senior Vice President of Arrival, commented on the latest partnership: “We are confident that the electrification of hail vehicles will have an overwhelming impact on cities and we want to help drivers navigate this transition.
“Arrival Car will be tailored to the needs of drivers to create a vehicle that is affordable, durable and desirable.
“We have a great partnership with UPS to create a world-class electric delivery vehicle and we hope to repeat that success with Uber by creating the best possible ride hail product that improves passenger experience and health the driver improves safety and finances. “
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