Australians can soon book and ride in an EV Uber, with Splend’s flexi-own plan allowing eligible driver partners in New South Wales to sign up for one of 500 premium Polestar 2s.
Splend has gone from an Australian start-up to one of Uber’s key global partners, ensuring NSW Uber drivers save six to eight tons of CO2 per vehicle annually – while offering drivers a range of financial incentives including hire-purchase and making upgrading to an EV as easy as possible.
The partnership falls in line with Uber’s 2040 zero emissions goal and Splend’s own commitment to transition 100,000 drivers in Australia to EVs in the next five years and a million globally over the next decade.
Splend’s EV supply will allow Uber to launch a highly anticipated “Comfort Electric” product, which lets Aussies choose 100% zero-emissions EVs when booking their ride via the app and get around town in a stylish Polestar or Tesla – the offer expected to be available for Sydney riders early 2023.
Eligible NSW drivers can sign up for a Polestar 2 via Splend’s rent-to-own car plan with incentives including a 50% reduction in Uber’s service fee (up to $6000 annually), access to special pricing for an at-home charging solution, subsidised weekly pricing locked in for the plan’s life, immediate access to the Polestar without the need for traditional finance, and increased earning potential for drivers as Polestar 2s meet the requirements to fall under Uber’s comfort and premier products
The partnership has been made possible by collaboration between the government and private sector.
Splend emerged as the largest recipient of the NSW Drive Electric fleets incentive, securing $1.8 million in funding, which helped facilitate the company’s acquisition of the largest active fleet of Polestar 2 EVs in Australia.
“The NSW government is proud to have worked with Splend as a recipient of our NSW Drive Electric Funding program, and we look forward to seeing more rideshare trips happening in EVs in the months and years ahead,” says NSW treasurer and energy minister Matt Kean.
Uber Australia is committed to becoming a zero-emissions platform by 2040, when every ride taken on the platform will happen in an electric vehicle (EV), by bike or scooter, or via public transport.
“We know there are many barriers for Australians when it comes to driving an electric vehicle, not the least being limited supply and the cost of the car itself,” says Uber Australia and New Zealand general manager Dom Taylor.
“With this partnership, we are building new pathways and making it easier than ever for more driver partners to go electric.”
Splend founder and chief executive Chris King believes the partnership marks the start of what will be a rapid acceleration of EV adoption in Australia during the next few years.
