Octopus Energy Partners with Uber and BYD to Revolutionize EV Charging for UK Drivers

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Octopus Energy, Uber, and BYD have joined forces to offer the United Kingdom’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV) charging bundle aimed specifically at Uber drivers. The announcement was made during Uber’s annual climate event, Go Get Zero, as the companies seek to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

Under this partnership, Octopus Energy is set to install up to 1,000 complimentary home chargers for UK-based Uber drivers who choose to purchase any model of BYD’s electric cars and simultaneously enroll in the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff. This move aims to provide substantial cost savings on vehicle operations while supporting environmental sustainability.

The Intelligent Octopus Go plan allows participants to drive their EVs at a cost as low as 2p per mile. This is an approximate six-fold reduction in expenses compared to traditional petrol vehicles. Additionally, when factoring in the savings accrued from charging and receiving a free charger, it is said to be ten times cheaper for the participating Uber drivers over petrol-fueled cars.

Alongside the free home chargers, Uber drivers enrolled in this initiative will receive an 8% discount on Octopus Electroverse, Octopus’ comprehensive charging service, which provides access to over 850,000 chargers worldwide. This integrated approach supports drivers in efficiently managing their charging requirements through one card and one app interface.

BYD, currently the world’s top producer of electric vehicles, offers a range of technologically advanced and eco-friendly cars. This initiative supports Uber’s broader ambition to have a largely zero-emissions fleet, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable road environment in the UK.

Greg Jackson, the Founder of Octopus Energy, stated, “Octopus leads the way on EV charging and it’s exciting to partner with Uber and BYD to bring cheap, convenient, clean transport to thousands of Uber drivers and hundreds of thousands of riders. With Octopus’s smart charging technology, BYD’s outstanding cars, and Uber’s leadership on green mobility, the unstoppable transport revolution is well and truly underway.”

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also highlighted, “There are now over 180,000 EVs on Uber and drivers are going electric five times faster than the average motorist, but there’s much more to do. The new features and partnerships being announced today are designed to accelerate electrification and make sustainable choices easier for drivers, consumers, and merchants. Climate is a team sport and we all must double down on this work together.”

Uber plans to inform all existing UK drivers of the new BYD and charger offering, which is anticipated to launch on November 1st.