Uber has partnered with Toyota’s KINTO Share program to offer drivers the ability to rent zero-emission vehicles. The program officially launched on April 18 in Metro Vancouver, B.C.
Uber and Toyota Canada, with Toyota Financial Services, announced the partnership on the same day; they explained in a news release that eligible drivers on the Uber platform in the Metro Vancouver area will be able to rent ZEVs through the program. This includes Toyota’s bZ4X, and eventually the Mirai — a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.
“Switching to a zero-emissions vehicle is a big decision,” said Michael van Hemmen, General Manager of Mobility for Uber in Canada, in a statement. “This partnership with Toyota Canada gives drivers an opportunity to experience a zero-emission vehicle as their primary ride-share vehicle and understand the benefits and cost savings.”
Stephen Beatty, Vice President of Corporate at Toyota Canada, said the partnership with Uber brings the automaker closer to their mutual environmental sustainability goals. He said it will improve accessibility to get more drivers into ZEVs “by offering a safe and seamless experience to rent Toyota all-electric and hydrogen-powered options.”
Drivers will be able to access the ZEVs through the KINTO Share Canada app, then pick up the vehicle at one of four Toyota dealerships across the Metro Vancouver area. The Toyota bZ4X and Mirai are both eligible to use British Columbia’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.
