SQM and Uber are promoting electromobility in Chile with electric cars
This collaboration will allow the app's driver partners to access electric vehicles to generate income, through a rental agreement with the company Tucar.
The plan includes a fleet of 100 electric vehicles available in the Metropolitan Region, along with a charging network powered by Enel X Way, thus contributing to the development of electromobility in Chile.
Alliance to accelerate electromobility in Chile
Santiago, August 23, 2022 - Accelerating the advancement of electromobility in Chile is the objective of the alliance presented by SQM, Uber, Tucar and Enel X Way, which will facilitate access to electric cars for the platform's driver-partners.
Specifically, the alliance will make an initial fleet of 100 electric cars available for rent through Tucar. This will allow these types of vehicles to be incorporated as a mobility option within the platform, contributing to decarbonization and the reduction of fossil fuel use.
Furthermore, Enel X Way Chile committed to developing a charging network that will allow partner drivers to generate uninterrupted profits. This project is part of SQM's 25 years of lithium production.
Electric cars and charging network for Uber drivers
Uber has made a global commitment to ensure that, by 2040, 100% of trips taken on its platform will be emission-free worldwide. This announcement represents another step toward that goal.
Enel X Way, in addition to the electric chargers, incorporates 10 electric vehicles for this alliance, with the goal of reaching 50 cars available for driver partners.
“Without charging infrastructure, electromobility wouldn't be possible. Our commitment is to continue connecting the country with electric vehicle chargers. Today, we are also presenting the first 10 Maxus Euniq 6 cars from Enel X Way, which will bring the electromobility experience to Uber users, allowing them to reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 0,32 kg/km. Additionally, we will be adding several fast-charging hubs in strategic locations with a special rate for the project's operation,” stated Jean Paul Zalaquett, General Manager of Enel X Way.
Commitment to sustainable mobility and decarbonization
The presentation of this alliance was organized by the discussion “Electromobility, the future of human development”, in which the former pilot Eliseo Salazar; the general manager of SQM, Ricardo Ramos; the general manager of Uber Chile, Alberto Vignau; and the general manager of Enel X Way, Jean Paul Zalaquett participated.
SQM's CEO, Ricardo Ramos, stated that “in these 25 years in which we have produced lithium, the main lesson has been the importance of adapting to change through innovation, technology, and a strong commitment to environmental protection. This alliance with Uber reflects this, as we decided to go further rather than simply be content with investing in an industry that is now key to decarbonizing the planet.”
For his part, Alberto Vignau, General Manager of Uber Chile, commented that “we know the impact of our technology goes beyond simply moving cities. We want to be allies in mitigating the impact of climate change, generating sustainable, shared, electric, and multimodal mobility. The alliance with SQM, Enel X Way, and Tucar allows us to advance in this commitment, enabling us to offer the option of requesting rides in electric cars through Uber in our country in the future.”
Access to electric vehicles through rental with Tucar
All Uber driver-partners interested in participating in this initiative can do so through the rental option with Tucar.
“We want to change the logic of car rental to one of smart, economical and sustainable mobility; offering electric vehicles that also allow drivers flexibility in terms of time and availability, adapting to their needs and incorporating the highest safety standards,” said Pablo Cabello, Country Manager of Tucar.
The new fleet is now available for rent to driver-partners through Tucar. This means Uber app users can now request a ride in UberX, Uber Comfort, or Uber Black, where the assigned vehicle could be 100% electric.
