Toyota and Uber expand access to EVs for European ride-hailing drivers

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Uber announced a partnership to expand access to low and zero-emission vehicles for Uber drivers and fleet partners, building on Toyota’s popularity among Uber drivers and fleet partners in Europe.

The partnership is designed to support Uber drivers and fleet partners across major European countries, representing hundreds of thousands of active individual drivers and fleets. Reflecting differences in operating needs, costs and charging infrastructure across Europe, the partnership is built around Toyota’s multi‑pathway approach, offering drivers a choice between hybrid, battery‑electric and approved used Toyota and Lexus vehicles as entry points into electrified mobility.

"Professional drivers need electrified vehicles that work for them economically as well as operationally. Through this partnership with Uber, we are improving access to vehicles, financing and mobility services that drivers can use immediately, while supporting the gradual shift towards lower‑emission fleets across European cities. This reflects Toyota’s belief that the transition to lower-emission mobility should be inclusive and accessible to all", said Leonardo Carluccio, VP Sales of Toyota Motor Europe.

The programme roll out will start in July in ten European countries, with a phased expansion to the rest of Europe.

The partnership brings together four Toyota entities to offer drivers a single, integrated mobility proposition covering new and used vehicles, financing, leasing and insurance:

• Toyota Motor Europe - Toyota’s European sales and product organisation, working with Uber to create an advantageous multi‑pathway vehicle offer, including hybrid and battery‑electric models, adapted to local market and infrastructure conditions.
• Toyota Financial Services - Toyota’s captive finance company, offering drivers flexible financing and leasing solutions to access Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
• Toyota Insurance Services - Toyota’s strategic insurance partner, providing Smart-Connected insurance capabilities to support the evolving needs of professional mobility drivers across Europe.
• KINTO Europe - European mobility services brand, focused on expanding access to approved used vehicles for drivers, providing a lower‑cost entry point.

"Partnering with Toyota allows us to offer an integrated solution that addresses vehicle ownership, financing, and maintenance. By lowering ownership obstacles, we are accelerating electrification while supporting drivers’ livelihoods in a changing world", said Raoul Philipse, Sr. Director Central Operations at Uber.

The partnership comes as European cities and the automotive industry accelerate efforts to reduce emissions while drivers face increasing operating costs and changing regulatory requirements.

*An electrified car is one propelled by an electric motor to some extent. Some electrified cars are entirely electric. Others, including Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids, also have a petrol engine.

Source: Toyota Europe