Octopus Energy has teamed up with Uber to offer 1,000 drivers a free home Ohme ePod charger as part of the drive to decarbonise transport.
The first 1,000 drivers to switch to Octopus’ EV tariff, Intelligent Octopus Go, will receive the charger – worth £900 – and saving drivers nearly £1m collectively.
On Intelligent Octopus Go, drivers can save more than £700 a year on fuel costs compared to fossil-fuelled cars, it claimed, while those already driving electric can save more than £400 compared to a standard variable tariff.
The tariff works by allowing drivers to set charging times and amounts through the app with Octopus’ tech platform Kraken working in the background to automate charging when it is cheapest and best for supporting the grid.
Drivers also get an 8% discount on public charging through the Octopus Electroverse network, which grants access to over 36,000 charge points across the country.
The move supports Uber’s commitment to go fully electric in London, with about 40% of miles powered in such a way already.
According to statistics, Uber drivers are switching to EVs five times quicker than the general public, with this deal also improving running costs and the UK’s air quality.
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Octopus Energy, said:
“Uber drivers spend more time in their cars than anyone else, so no one knows better what’s good to drive and cheaper to run.
“With over a third of Uber drivers already feeling the benefits of EVs, we’re making it even easier for more drivers to go electric. By offering a smart charging tech bundle that does the hard work for them, Uber drivers can get real savings, and offer customers a smoother ride and next level service.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager of Uber UK, said:
“Uber drivers are leading the way in switching to EVs, embracing cleaner vehicles much faster than the general public. But one of the biggest barriers they continue to face is access to affordable and reliable charging.
“This partnership with Octopus helps tackle that, making it easier for more drivers to go electric across the UK.”
Image courtesy of Octopus Energy
