Uber has taken another step in reshaping affordable mobility in South Africa with the announcement of its Uber Go Electric roll-out. Building on the growth of Uber Moto, the company is positioning electric mobility as a practical and accessible solution rather than a distant aspiration.
Uber Moto has already become a trusted service for essential, short-distance travel across Johannesburg. Deepesh Thomas, General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa at Uber, says the service has grown from a small pilot into an option that completes thousands of trips every week. He explains that the company is focused on building mobility that reflects the lived realities of South Africans.
Uber Go Electric extends this vision by offering the platform’s first fully electric product in South Africa through fleet partner Valternative. The aim is to ease some of the pressure that drivers experience from fluctuating fuel costs. By removing that burden, Uber believes that drivers can retain more of their earnings through lower operating expenses, reduced mechanical issues and predictable maintenance.
For riders, the electric product offers a quieter and more comfortable experience, while cities can benefit from reduced emissions. Mohamed Jeewa, CEO of Valternative, says electric mobility only becomes meaningful once people can access it. He adds that Valternative manages charging, servicing and fleet operations to help drivers adopt electric vehicles without upfront financial risk.
Uber continues to support this transition through partnerships with Valternative and Africa Moova as it seeks to build an accessible and sustainable mobility ecosystem.
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