Rental car company Sixt is helping Uber drivers get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle (EV), including models from Tesla and BYD.
UPDATE, 01/10/2023 – Sixt has clarified its subscription rate is actually $339 per week, instead of per month. We’ve updated to this story to reflect the correct information.
The company is offering Uber and rideshare drivers access to EVs through a subscription, starting at $339 per week and with 1400km of monthly mileage included.
Sixt says Uber drivers can select a plan to suit their needs, including month-to-month and annual subscriptions.
The subscription includes vehicle insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and “fast access” to replacement vehicles.
Sixt says the offer is “highly flexible, with the option to turn over the car more frequently”.
“This is a great option for Uber drivers who are looking for an affordable pathway to switch to an electric vehicle but aren’t looking to purchase a new car,” said Sixt Australia CEO Matthew Beattie.
“A range of subscription options gives Uber drivers the chance to try an electric vehicle for shorter period to before committing to a longer term subscription, or purchasing a new electric vehicle.”
The company says the partnership allows Uber drivers to harness Australia’s largest EV rental fleet, with a range of luxury EVs “to become available in the coming months”.
Sixt only entered Australia in 2021, and launched with the goal of electrifying 50 per cent of its fleet “in the coming years”.
“Uber is committed to becoming a zero emissions platform in Australia by 2040. Two-thirds of drivers have told us they want to make the switch to an EV, but the number one barrier to doing so is the upfront cost of the car,” said Tom Mercer, Uber’s head of earner and regulatory operations.
“Through partnerships like this with Sixt, we aim to provide drivers with a range of flexible options that make it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of an EV and our partnership with Sixt will help us realise this goal.”
Last week, Uber announced a “landmark vehicle partnership” with BYD distributor EVDirect to make 10,000 BYD Atto 3 electric SUVs available immediately to its drivers.
These 10,000 BYD Atto 3s are available through a range of financing and leasing options. These include long-term financing that ends in full ownership of the vehicle, as well as a flexible ownership arrangement with the option to return the vehicle after a minimum term.
More flexible rental and ownership offerings will be detailed and become available in early 2024.
It also launched its first all-electric ride-share option, Comfort Electric, and announced a 50 per cent reduction in service fees for selected Victorian EV drivers.
Sixt isn’t the only company offering EV subscriptions to Uber drivers, with other companies such as Splend offering drivers the option to subscribe to a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, Polestar 2, or MG 4.
