Nissan set to supply electric cars to Uber

Sunderland’s Nissan car plant is to supply up to 2,000 electric vehicles to cab firm Uber.

The deal is part of the ride hailing app company's “bold vision” for all its 45,000 London drivers to use all-electric vehicles by 2025.

It has been financed through Uber’s Clean Air Plan, launched in which includes adding a 15p fee to all journeys in the capital.

Drivers are expected to save an average of £4,500, depending on the number of miles they have driven, off the cost of switching to the Leaf cars.

Andrew Humberstone, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB), said “innovation and collaboration” between companies could improve air quality in major cities and added :“Not only willthe quiet er ride that comes from all-electric driving, but cyclists, pedestrians and other road users will also benefit from the zero-emissions power train.”

Uber's general manager for northern and eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, said: "Our bold vision for London is for every driver on the Uber app to use an all electric vehicle by 2025.

"The partnership with Nissan is a hugely significant step towards meeting this goal.

“The Mayor of London has shown strong leadership on measures relating to air quality and we're proud to support him in delivering his vision."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also welcomed the deal and said: "I want green transport to be the new normal and with one battery electric vehicle sold every 15 minutes last year, we are heading in the right direction .”