Uber South Africa has rolled out its first batch of electric vehicles in Johannesburg — a key step toward the company’s global goal of 100% zero-emission rides by 2040.
Driving the news
Uber has launched 70 electric cars on Johannesburg roads, with plans to scale to 350 by the end of January. The EVs — the Henrey Minicar imported from China — are supplied through a partnership with Valternative Energy, which already works with Uber on electric motorbikes.
How it works
Valternative operates a “swap-and-go” system combining electric bikes, battery-swap stations and battery subscriptions.
The company supplies the vehicles, rents them out to drivers, and provides charging access — eliminating the upfront cost normally required to own an EV.
“Drivers don’t have to buy or finance a vehicle,” said Deepesh Thomas, GM for Uber sub-Saharan Africa. “They have access to charging infrastructure and stability in earnings.”
Why it matters
Uber says the expansion of Uber Electric and Uber Moto could help tackle what it calls South Africa’s “transport poverty,” where high fuel prices and unpredictable daily costs limit earning potential.
The big picture
- Fares for Uber Electric will match entry-level Uber Go pricing.
- The model aims to reduce drivers’ daily cash-flow constraints — especially for those who usually buy fuel day-to-day.
- Every Monday, Uber pays out driver earnings, and Valternative deducts rental costs — leaving drivers with predictable weekly income.
Valternative CEO Mohamed Jeeva said educating drivers was initially a challenge:
“Once they jump into the vehicle, there are no more costs. Many last-mile drivers work on a very tight budget. We removed that cash-flow restriction.”
By the numbers
- 70 EVs currently operating in Johannesburg
- 350 expected by end of January
- 200,000+ EV drivers on Uber’s platform globally
What’s next
Uber plans to expand Uber Electric to more South African cities in 2026 as part of its broader decarbonization push.
Source: Tech Central
