Uber just announced plans to add 50 new Tesla electric cars to its ride-sharing fleet in Dubai. “We are tremendously excited to be the exclusive ride-hailing partner for this fleet of premium electric vehicles in Dubai,” said Chris Free, General Manager for Uber UAE. The announcement builds upon Tesla’s entrance into the United Arab Emirates market earlier this year, in which it signed a deal to provide 200 Model S/X self-driving vehicles to the Dubai Taxi Corporation.
Dubai’s UberONE service utilizes only electric vehicles, and it reflects the company’s global campaign to encourage greater use of electric vehicles by its drivers. In London, Uber, which is currently not authorized to work in the city, announced a program to shift its 40,000 London-based drivers to using electric cars. In Oregon, a similar program empowers Uber EV drivers as electric ambassadors who educate their passengers about electric vehicles.
Related: Uber rolls out autonomous cars in Arizona
In addition to its reinforcement of ride-hailing fleets, Tesla has recently begun customer deliveries of its Model X and Model S vehicles in Dubai. The wealthy emirate features prominently in Tesla’s regional strategy and for that reason, the company has invested in charging infrastructure in Dubai as well. Dubai itself has taken several important moves towards a more sustainable society, including a massive solar power park which will contain the world’s tallest solar tower, and a plan to build 500km of bike lakes. As for its taxi services, Uber will have competition; the first flying taxis have officially started testing in Dubai.
Via Electrek
Images via Tesla, Elliott Brown/Flickr, Brandon/Flickr, and Michiel2005/Flickr
