London Uber drivers set to benefit from C40 Cities EV charging partnership
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Uber has joined forces with C40 Cities in a new international initiative to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging access, with London playing a central role.
The partnership aims to help cities boost EV charging infrastructure for high-mileage drivers, focusing on London, Boston and Phoenix. More than 55,000 Uber drivers across these cities are expected to benefit through targeted support, policy backing and data tools.
Uber’s latest survey of its drivers, running since 2021, shows a shift in the main concern around switching to EVs. Access to charging has now overtaken vehicle cost as the biggest obstacle for drivers in both the UK and US.
In response, Uber is introducing the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Estimator (EVIE), a tool that projects future demand for EV charging. The tool identifies areas with the greatest need for infrastructure investment, down to less than a square kilometre. EVIE’s rollout includes 40 global cities and is designed to help local authorities and energy providers pinpoint where public chargers are most urgently needed.
In London, areas like Hounslow and Wembley have been identified as key locations. These are examples of the ‘charging deserts’ where demand outpaces existing infrastructure, particularly in areas with higher population density and lower access to home charging.
To further support adoption, Uber has partnered with Vmoto to offer discounted e-mopeds to couriers across Europe. A battery-swap pilot for mopeds is due to begin in London in the third quarter of 2025.
Uber and C40 will also work to influence city policy, helping to unlock planning and investment that increases public charger access. The goal is to directly assist at least 55,000 drivers and enable wider regional improvements.
London has already seen targeted investment. Uber’s £5 million initiative placed new chargers in three boroughs with high numbers of private hire drivers. In Newham, early results show charger use running at over double the national average, underlining the impact of placing infrastructure in the right locations.
Rebecca Tinucci, Global Head of Sustainability, Uber, said: “Uber is committed to an all-electric future. With the right charging infrastructure in place, drivers can earn more, deliver a better rider experience and help tackle air pollution. We’re proud to partner with C40 and city leaders to help unlock EV infrastructure where it is most needed. Reliable, accessible charging will help accelerate economic opportunity for thousands of drivers and create healthier communities in the process.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and Co-Chair of C40 Cities, said: “In London, we want to bring everyone along on the journey to clean air and sustainable travel. Whether it’s our emergency services, taxis, private hire, delivery vans, or any of the other essential transport moving through the city daily, we know that increasing the number of zero emission vehicles will result in cleaner air and less emissions. As Mayor of London and Co-Chair of C40, I look forward to working with Uber to support essential drivers to access charging where they need it most.”
