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20 LEAFs join Uber fleet for London air quality project

By / 8 years ago / Latest News / No Comments

Nissan has supplied 20 Nissan LEAFs for trial with car-hailing service Uber as part of its commitment to tackling air pollution in London and across the UK.

leaf

The trial will look into the feasibility of running large numbers of electric private hire vehicles in the UK.

It is the first time pure EVs have been available for hire through the Uber app in London.

Commenting on the new availability of LEAFs, Gareth Dunsmore, head of electric vehicles, Nissan Europe, said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Uber on what is a very exciting project that could ultimately lead to major improvements in air quality in London and across the UK.

“With the impact of poor air quality remaining a cause for concern, the trial could prove to be a pivotal moment for tackling the challenges in London.”

Run in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust (EST), the study will look into the feasibility of running large numbers of electric private hire vehicles in the UK.

The EST will research the experience, driving patterns and economics of private hire drivers using electric cars and the capacity of London’s current network of charging points to support these vehicles.

Already 60% of Uber journeys in London are made in hybrid vehicles, but the company is keen to explore the environmental and economic benefits of going fully electric ahead of the introduction of the capital’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone in 2020.

“We are determined to use technology to help tackle the challenge of air pollution in London and across the UK,” added Jo Bertram, regional general manager of Uber UK.

“Our car-sharing service has already saved 1.2 million miles and 211 metric tonnes of CO2. With electric vehicles – and more people sharing their journey and leaving their own cars at home – there’s even more we can do.”

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Katie Beck

Katie joined Fleet World in 2012 as an editorial intern, following the completion of an English and American Literature BA from the University of East Anglia. She accepted a full-time position as an editorial assistant at the end of the internship period, and was promoted to the role of features editor in 2014. She works across the magazine and website portfolio, and administrates the social media channels.