Uber partners with BP Pulse on global EV charging strategy

Mark Bursa

Uber electric vehicle drivers will be given priority access to BP Pulse’s massive high-speed charging network as part of a new deal between the energy giant and the ride-hailing market leader.

Under the terms of the agreement, BP intends to offer bespoke deals to drivers on the Uber platform that are tailored to each market, including providing incentives for them to charge with BP Pulse, including special offers.

The deal is designed to help drivers on Uber’s platform make the switch to EVs, and speed up Uber’s plan to become a zero-emissions platform in Europe and North America by 2030.

The BP-Uber global mobility agreement will see the companies work together worldwide, as Uber aims to have a 100% EV service by 2040. BP’s ambition is to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner. Uber and BP will initially focus key markets including Europe, the US and UK, with other countries including Australia and New Zealand to follow.

BP Pulse CEO Richard Bartlett said: “Drivers on Uber’s platform need great value access to the fast, reliable charging infrastructure we’re building as they make the switch to electric. We’re investing billions of dollars worldwide in high-speed EV charging, digital products and services, and large scale bp pulse Gigahubs that will help commercial customers eliminate tailpipe emissions.”

Uber and BP Pulse started their strategic relationship back in 2021 when BP opened its first rapid commercial charging hub in London’s Park Lane. Uber was BP’s first ridehailing platform partner customer to offer access to the new hub which provides charge points to drivers on the Uber platform.

London is Uber’s leading market for electrification, with more than

Norwegian charge point provider Wattif EV to spend €50m in UK EV network

Norwegian EV charge point company Wattif EV is planning a €50 million investment in UK charging infrastructure. The company wants to set up charge points in public car parks, and wants to encourage car park operators to install the chargers by offering them a profit share.

Wattif EV opened its first UK charge points in Cambridge toward the end of 2022, and it is now planning to install more in Leeds and at locations in Scotland. It is in discussions to open “thousands” more within the next 18 months.

15% of miles driven with Uber in London all electric. Drivers on Uber’s platform in Europe are switching to EVs five times faster than the general population, and the company aims for a 100% EV fleet in London by the end of 2025.

Christopher Hook, Uber’s global head of sustainability said: “We want Uber to be the cleanest platform on Earth because it’s the right thing for consumers, our cities and our business. Getting to 100% electric is not something Uber can do alone. It is a team sport, and it will take partnerships like this to reach zero tailpipe emissions, especially as we know availability of easy to access, affordable charging infrastructure

In a statement, the company outlined its approach: “In establishing destination charge points where people park, rather than forcing EV drivers to park where they can charge, Wattif EV seeks to accelerate the electrification of the UK parking network by providing hassle-free access to charging infrastructure.”

“Simultaneously, Wattif EV provides the car parks’ landlord or owner the choice of a number of finance models whereby they can benefit from a share of net revenue, while rolling out a wider geographical range of ‘fast’ charge points which are cheaper to install and use than the traditional and more expensive, rapid charging options.”

Wattif EV UK has taken on a €50m investment from Luxembourg-based investment fund Marguerite in order to fund the expansion.

Wattif EV CEO Robert Svendsen said: “Significant European investments into our is one of the biggest challenges for drivers.” own business shows that UK expansion is built on solid foundations and becomes an integral part of our plans to establish a leading European wide network of EV destination chargers.”

BP currently has 22,000 charging points worldwide, with operations in 10 countries. Its ambition is to have more than 100,000 charge points worldwide by 2030. This investment helps address the concerns of ridehailing drivers, as identified in a recent survey of 16,000 drivers on the Uber platform, by providing the reliable and convenient charging infrastructure they need to feel confident about making the switch to electric.

The partnership builds on Uber’s initiatives to help drivers go electric, including adding a Charging Map directly to the Driver app to show them where the nearest EV chargers are located as well as launching an EV Hub in the Uber Driver app, a one-stop shop where drivers can get information and compare the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an EV with a non-EV.

The two companies will also explore working together on convenience and fuel offers. BP has a global network of almost 21,000 branded retail sites that offer fuel as well as food for now and for later with retail partners, and facilities such as toilets.

He added: “To hit the UK’s 2030 EV targets there needs to be strong support from business, local authorities and Government to establish a coordinated strategy delivering EV cars, EV infrastructure and EV battery supply. Actions speak louder than words and I believe business must lead this charge given all the pressures on the UK Government right now: our strong end to 2022 and start to 2023 shows that Wattif EV is ideally placed to be a critical path to that ambition.”

Svendsen concluded: “Charging en-route at service stations is not viable long-term – charging without thinking, planning or worrying, at home and destination, is key to driving growth of EV sales.”

—Mark Bursa