Kia and Uber Partner to Develop EVs Tailored for Ride-Sharing Services
Kia has announced a collaboration with Uber at CES 2024 in Las Vegas to develop purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) specifically designed for the car-sharing service. The partnership aims to expand Kia’s PBV business by tailoring vehicles to meet the unique needs of Uber’s ride-hailing service.
The Uber-customized PBVs will be developed based on Kia’s first PBV, called the PV5, which is set to go into mass production in 2025. The PV5 will be assembled on Kia’s electric vehicle platform for PBVs and will feature a spacious interior equipped with an open infotainment system and personalized elements to enhance passenger comfort.
Yoon Seung-kyu, CEO of Kia America, expressed the significance of PBVs in the mobility customization sector and highlighted Kia’s intention to deliver industry-leading technology through its collaboration with Uber. The partnership aims to enhance the ride-hailing experience by employing advanced software and services.
Kia and Uber plan to work together closely to determine the optimized specifications for passengers and drivers, ensuring that the all-electric van will meet the specific requirements of Uber’s ride-hailing service. Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on offering user-centered solutions based on software, data, and artificial intelligence.
Kia plans to leverage its connected car service, Kia Connect, to provide diagnosis and prevention services for the PBVs. This will enable drivers to detect potential malfunctions or breakdowns in advance, saving on overall ownership costs.
To facilitate the transition for Uber drivers, Kia and Uber will actively cooperate in the provision of charging infrastructure, including home and public chargers, by leveraging global charging networks. Software development efforts will focus on creating applications that recommend optimized driving patterns and charging routes by analyzing charging station data and vehicle information.
Through this partnership, Kia intends to expand its Kia Flex monthly subscription service, which offers customers the opportunity to drive premium models of the carmaker, further establishing its presence in North America.
Susan Anderson, Uber’s global head of business development, emphasized that Uber drivers are already more inclined to adopt electric vehicles compared to the general population. She believes that by partnering with Kia and combining their expertise, they can make electric vehicles more accessible and appealing to a wider range of drivers.
The collaboration between Kia and Uber marks a significant step toward the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the ride-sharing industry. By tailoring vehicles to meet the specific needs of Uber’s service, Kia aims to provide a seamless and enhanced ride-hailing experience for passengers while accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles among Uber drivers.
As Kia and Uber work together to develop purpose-built EVs, it signifies a growing trend within the automotive industry focusing on customized mobility services that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. With advanced software and connectivity solutions, this partnership aims to deliver a transformative and sustainable future for urban transportation.
