Uber launches first fully electric car fleet in bid to cut air pollution

drivers has grown from 59,000 in April 2010 to about 100,000.

“We are determined to use technology to help tackle the challenge of air pollution in London and across the UK,” said Uber’s UK boss Jo Bertram.

The firm struck a deal with car manufacturers BYD and Nissan to provide cars in London and at least one other UK city at a reduced rate.

Passengers will not yet be allowed to stipulate whether they want an electric car or not, but if electric vehicles take off the option may be added later.

Green campaigners have welcomed the scheme. Alan Andrews, a lawyer at ClientEarth, said: “This is a step in the right direction. Taxis and the private hire vehicle industry need to commit to phasing out dirty diesel vehicles in the UK’s most polluted towns and cities.” Poppy Welch, of Go Ultra Low, said: “We’re pleased to see such a well-known company embrace electric vehicles.”

Uber is not the first firm to use electric cars but it is the biggest. It says six in 10 of its journeys are already in low-emis- sion hybrids, and that its ride-sharing service uberPOOL — launched in London last December — has so far cut more than 1.3 million miles being driven.

Ms Bertram said a bigger roll-out of electric cars would need more charging points and robust economics: “That’s why the study is so important. We look forward to sharing the findings with the government, TfL and the Mayor.”

Black taxis are also going green, with TfL phasing out diesels from 2018. Hybrid models capable of running with zero emissions go on sale this year.