Uber accelerates towards 2040 zero-emission strategy with roll out of first all-electric service
Popular e-hailing platform Uber has launched its first fully electric car service in South Africa
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Popular e-hailing platform Uber has launched its first fully electric car service in South Africa, alongside an expanded motorbike offering, aiming to make urban transport more affordable.
According to Uber, the rollout in Johannesburg currently includes 70 electric vehicles, with plans to expand to 350 by the end of January 2026. The Henrey Minicar 4-seater, imported from China, is being supplied by Valternative Energy, Uber Electric’s local partner.
The initiative is part of Uber’s global push to transition to 100% zero-emission rides by 2040.
Deepesh Thomas, GM for Uber sub-Saharan Africa, said the service removes major financial barriers for drivers.
“The drivers don’t have to buy a vehicle. They can rent the vehicle. They have access to charging infrastructure (through Valternative)," Thomas said, according to Tech Central.
"They manage the vehicles and manage the drivers. And what this means is, essentially, the drivers can come in, they can have access to a vehicle without having the onerous cost of buying or financing an electric vehicle".
He added that “the vehicles come fully charged, and drivers have access to charging infrastructure"
“They have it fully charged. They have access to charging infrastructure, and it also removes the uncertainty of fuel prices increasing, so they have stability in terms of earnings. They focus on doing trips, and ultimately, once you scale the unit economics, it makes a lot more sense than a typical internal combustion engine vehicle.”
Mohamed Jeewa, CEO of Valternative, said educating drivers about the cost-free nature of the vehicles was a challenge.
“Getting the mentality of the drivers to understand that once they jump into the vehicle, there are no more costs [was a challenge]. Another very big thing that people don’t know is that last-mile drivers in the country really live on a very tight budget"
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