Uber introduces electric vehicle-based service in South Africa

Uber has made an announcement that it will be soon launching its first electric vehicle-based service in South Africa over the next few months.

Previously called Uber Connect, Uber Package enables users to book same-day pickup and delivery of a package within a single geographical area.

From December 2023, the company will be switching vehicles for this delivery service to fully electric models starting in Cape Town, and the expansion will be rolled out to Johannesburg in February 2024.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary in South Africa, the new electric mobility product is one of several that the ride-hailing and on-demand delivery service company revealed. As the event was taking place, Uber showcased one of the scooters that will be used for the service. Instead of charging directly through a station or outlet, the scooters feature hot-swappable battery packs.

The two different models that are going to be used for the service include: a 1.5kWh battery, 90km range and a top speed of 55km/h and a second with a 4kWh battery, 110km range, and 95km/h maximum speed.

Drivers will be able to stop at a battery locker and swap out their unit for a charged one before they run out of juice. Uber said this could be done in less than a minute, according to My Broadband.

The approach is similar to Taiwanese company Gogoro’s battery-swapping platform for urban electric scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles.

Uber also mentioned that the launch of the product was a key step in achieving its global target of becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040.