In a groundbreaking partnership, Ford and Uber have joined forces to introduce a new leasing pilot program aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) among rideshare drivers. The program, called Ford Drive, will be initially rolled out in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, offering rideshare drivers increased flexibility when it comes to leasing options for EVs.
Through a dedicated mobile application, Ford Drive users will have the opportunity to sign up for lease terms as short as one to four months, depending on their location. The flagship vehicle included in this program will be the highly acclaimed Ford Mustang Mach-E, which has been specifically chosen for its suitability as a rideshare vehicle. After placing an order, lessees can expect their EV to be delivered within a mere two weeks. To facilitate seamless management of payments and services, lessees will have access to the Ford Drive app.
Bill Knapp, the head of Ford Drive, expressed the company’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of rideshare drivers, stating, “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. 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.”
To facilitate the success of this program, Ford will work in collaboration with local dealerships, which will oversee the purchase, service, and maintenance of the Mustang Mach-Es used in the program. Although the Ford Drive program was officially launched today, it originated from a successful test of a flexible lease program conducted in San Diego in 2022.
This innovative collaboration is a win-win situation for both Ford and Uber. Ford gains an expanded customer base for its EVs, while Uber furthers its commitment to adding more electric vehicles to its ride-sharing fleet. In its pursuit of becoming a zero-emissions platform in North America and Europe by 2030, Uber has pledged $800 million in incentives to drivers who make the switch to electric vehicles. As part of this initiative, drivers will receive an additional dollar for every Uber Rides trip completed with an electric vehicle. Given the extensive mileage covered by Uber vehicles, the transition to electric power has the potential to yield substantial environmental benefits.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, an Uber spokesperson stated, “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.”
The collaboration between Ford and Uber represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly ridesharing, serving as an example for other companies in the industry. With their shared electrification goals, Ford and Uber are poised to shape the future of transportation, making it cleaner and more efficient than ever before.
