Move over Almera and Corolla Quest. A British technology startup called Arrival is teaming up with Uber to develop a car that’s specifically designed for ride-hailing.
Rather than making assumptions about the requirements that such a car would have to meet, Arrival will actually be inviting Uber drivers to join the design process in order to ensure that the final product really does meet their needs.
Arrival hasn’t detailed the powertrain as yet, but it’s a safe assumption that the ride-hailing vehicle will be battery powered, given that it forms part of Uber’s plan to help all of its drivers in London to upgrade to an EV by 2025, and in other parts of Europe and North America by 2030.
The Arrival Car is expected to go into production in late 2023 and assembly will take place in what the company refers to as “revolutionary Microfactories” that will enable decentralised production in cities around the world.
“As a typical ride-hailing vehicle will on average drive between 45 000 and 50 000 km a year, versus 12 000 km for a typical vehicle, the Arrival Car will prioritise driver comfort, safety, and convenience, while ensuring the passengers enjoy a premium experience,” Arrival said.
“With this in mind, Arrival will collaborate with Uber drivers in the design process over the coming months to ensure the Arrival Car reflects the needs of professional drivers and their passengers, with the final vehicle design expected to be revealed before the end of 2021.”
It is unlikely however, that this ‘Uber car’ will be offered in South Africa any time soon, meaning that the Corolla and its friends are probably safe for now.
