Introduction:
The electrification of urban transportation has become a key focus within the automotive industry, with the aim of shifting towards greener mobility and maximizing sustainability impact. Leading this movement in the region are Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company and Uber, who have joined forces to bring electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the forefront of urban transportation. This partnership not only aligns with the region’s strategic sustainability goals but also aims to provide wider access to green mobility for a large number of people in the region.
Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company:
Under the partnership, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company will offer drivers a wide selection of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to book on Uber’s platform. Each ride in these vehicles contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, making sustainable travel a reality for all. In addition, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company will support with charging infrastructure, facilitating a seamless experience for EV drivers on Uber and supporting Uber’s goal of having 25% of kilometers driven on its platform in Dubai be emission-free by 2026.
Fast-charging Fleet Hubs:
The partnership also includes access to dedicated ‘fast-charging fleet hubs’ through Charge2Moov by Al-Futtaim, ensuring that EV drivers on Uber can continue to provide rides without significant downtime. This initiative is aimed at supporting electrification and zero-emission targets in the region and promoting sustainable transportation solutions throughout the region. The collaboration between Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company and Uber is poised to drive a collective shift towards greener mobility on a large scale.
Significance of the Partnership:
Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, highlighted the importance of transitioning large volumes of cars to greener mobility for a substantial decrease in carbon emissions. He emphasized the partnership with Uber as a significant milestone in driving this collective shift forward. Frans Hiemstra, MEA Regional General Manager at Uber, expressed Uber’s commitment to electrifying its platform, with more than 145,000 drivers already making the switch to EVs in 200 cities globally. The partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company will further accelerate Uber’s efforts in the region, bringing more EVs onto the platform and providing drivers with essential access to charging infrastructure.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
The Memorandum of Understanding between Uber and Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company sets the framework for cooperation to facilitate electric mobility solutions across the region. This includes the introduction of eligible new energy vehicles owned and distributed by Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility to fleet partners operating on the Uber app in the UAE. Beyond promoting sustainability, both companies remain committed to nurturing human capital and boosting the gig economy in the region, which is home to one of the youngest and most tech-savvy populations.
Conclusion:
The partnership between Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company and Uber marks a significant milestone in the electrification of urban transportation in the region. By providing access to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with supporting charging infrastructure, the alliance is poised to drive a collective shift towards greener mobility and contribute to sustainability goals. With a focus on human capital development and boosting the gig economy, the partnership not only impacts the environment but also enhances opportunities for both drivers and passengers in the region.