Uber announced a significant initiative on Wednesday, introducing incentives to encourage other companies to build electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States and Europe. This move comes as a crucial support for the EV market, which has faced recent challenges due to changes in U.S. policy.
As part of this effort, Uber will guarantee a minimum usage rate for charging stations installed in key areas – specifically, neighborhoods where its drivers reside or frequently operate. This assurance aims to help charging operators recover their investments faster, addressing a major unpredictable factor in the profitability of new charging infrastructure: actual usage rates.
In the U.S., electric vehicle sales have seen a downturn following the revocation of various supportive policies by Republicans in Congress and President Trump. Despite these policy shifts, the construction of new charging stations surprisingly surged last year, partly fueled by the growing number of Uber drivers embracing EVs. One such driver is Charles Iwuoha, among 13,000 ride-share drivers in New York City who have switched to electric.
Mr. Iwuoha acquired a Kia EV9, an electric SUV, last year, aided by financial support from Uber. He notes that his EV’s battery comfortably lasts a full 10-hour shift, and his charging costs are significantly lower – saving him $20 to $40 compared to fueling his old gasoline car.
For Mr. Iwuoha, a Queens resident, these savings are substantial. “New York rent is too high,” he explained, adding that while driving for Uber covers his expenses, it often leaves little room for extra. This makes the reduced fuel cost a vital benefit.
Analysts and charging companies confirm that ride-share drivers are heavy users of public charging infrastructure, particularly fast chargers that can replenish a battery in 30 minutes or less. The revenue generated from Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing drivers charging their vehicles is a significant factor driving the expansion of charging stations.
However, a key challenge is that charging stations aren’t always conveniently located for Uber drivers. Mr. Iwuoha, for instance, lives in an apartment and cannot charge his EV at home. He relies on public fast chargers, which are frequently overcrowded, particularly in busy areas like Manhattan.
Pradeep Parameswaran, Uber’s global head of mobility, stated that the company aims to address these issues by facilitating the construction of 1,000 new charging points.
“We believe that, over time, electrification will significantly reduce the operational costs for drivers using Uber,” Parameswaran explained in an interview. “Ultimately, this transition also benefits cities by lowering emissions.”
Jeroen van Tilburg, CEO of Ionity, a European charging company collaborating with Uber, noted that Uber’s extensive data would be instrumental in pinpointing optimal locations for new charging stations.
“For any charge point operator, the primary challenge is always finding the perfect location,” van Tilburg emphasized.
These new Uber-supported stations will be accessible to all EV users, offering a significant advantage for apartment dwellers and other urban residents without home charging options. Uber hopes to stimulate new station development in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, London, Paris, and Madrid.
Additionally, Uber announced a $100 million investment to develop charging hubs specifically for autonomous vehicles, which are almost exclusively electric. Recognizing the potential disruption from self-driving taxis, Uber is strategically positioning itself as a key partner for companies such as Waymo, a division of Alphabet (Google’s parent company).
For instance, in Austin, Texas, Uber already manages charging, cleaning, and maintenance services for Waymo’s self-driving taxi fleet.
Despite regulatory challenges from Washington, the number of charging ports in the U.S. surged by 30 percent last year, reaching 70,000, according to Paren, an EV charging research firm. This remarkable growth included a 44 percent jump in the final quarter, even as overall EV sales dropped after a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new purchases expired.
Florent Breton, Paren’s CEO, indicated that preliminary data for 2026 suggests continued strong growth, demonstrating resilience despite policies enacted by the Trump administration.
Just last week, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy proposed a rule requiring that any chargers receiving federal funding under a Biden administration program must contain exclusively U.S.-manufactured parts. EV experts widely deem this a practically unachievable standard.
However, this proposal’s real-world impact is likely minimal, as most new charging stations in the U.S. are installed without federal subsidies.
The consistent demand for charging is largely driven by ride-share drivers, whose vehicles consume roughly a quarter of the energy supplied by EVgo, the third-largest charging station operator in the U.S. and an Uber partner. This marks a significant increase from just 10 percent in 2021.
“The electrification of ride-sharing has been a clear trend for several years, growing steadily quarter after quarter,” stated Badar Khan, CEO of EVgo. “Any collaborative efforts with Uber to expand charging infrastructure will undoubtedly speed up electric vehicle adoption.”
Based on Uber’s driver surveys, access to charging remains one of the primary hurdles for individuals considering an electric vehicle purchase.
Uber’s analyses show that while new EVs still cost more upfront, used electric vehicles are typically more affordable than similar gasoline models and offer lower long-term fueling and maintenance expenses. The price difference for new EVs is also gradually shrinking.
To further encourage EV adoption, Uber provides drivers with a $4,000 grant towards the purchase of an electric vehicle, contingent on completing at least 100 trips.
Mr. Iwuoha explained that his decision to buy an EV was partly driven by environmental concerns and an awareness of upcoming New York regulations. These rules will mandate that all ride-share vehicles be zero-emission or handicapped accessible by 2030. Notably, he purchased his new Kia before the federal $7,500 tax credit phased out.
If he had his way, charging stations would be readily available in public park parking lots and at a much wider array of gas stations.
“Time is money,” Mr. Iwuoha succinctly stated.