Uber commemorates 10 years in South Africa by launching its first electric mobility product in the country

Today, Uber commemorated its 10-year anniversary in South Africa by announcing the launch of the country’s first electric mobility product, along with a number of new innovative mobility and delivery products and the expansion of existing features to new geographies in the country.

“Our mobility business in South Africa has grown over the past few years, evidenced by expansion to nearly 30 cities across the country, and providing independent earning opportunities for over 20,000 earners,” says Kagiso Khaole, General Manager, Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “That is why Uber is reinforcing its commitment to contribute to seamless mobility and delivery by innovating new ways to help both riders and drivers move smoothly, hassle-free and feel safe on every trip.”

The electric vehicles for Uber Package will first be available in Cape Town. The launch of the product is a key step  in transitioning the Uber Package fleet to be fully electric by 2023 and in achieving Uber’s global target of  becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040. 

Uber also announced the launch of Uber Store Pick-Ups, which would enable users to book a delivery person to collect any prepaid items from any store. In addition, Uber is expanding Uber Van to Cape Town, its luxury rideshare offering Uber Black to Durban, and the addition of Reserve Airport Pickup for its UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber XL rides. 

Uber Live

Uber Eats today announced the launch of Uber Live, a mobile ordering solution that puts the Uber Eats pick-up product into the hands of people when they are doing something they love. Whether in an airport, sport stadium, concert venue or music festival, Uber Live will help improve the consumers’ experience. 

“We are committed to creating opportunities for consumers through technology. We are excited about the launch of Uber Live as we are able to take the food shopping experience to the next level for attendees at large events such as festivals, concerts or sporting celebrations, eliminating endless queues to allow our users to enjoy the event to the fullest.,” said Nakampe Molewa, General Manager, Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa,

Empowering customers, communities and cities with accessible mobility

A decade since its launch in South Africa, Uber now serves more than 80% of the urban population in close to 30 cities across the country and has enabled more than 1 million economic opportunities in South Africa through its commitment to affordable, accessible, safe and sustainable transportation.

Additional data on South African riders, drivers and eaters shows that:

• The most kilometres travelled by a single rider is 813.35km
• The most popular drop-off destination is OR Tambo International Airport
• The most popular time to request a ride is at 2PM
• The biggest tipper award goes to a rider who tipped R8,816
• Some of the items which people lose the most include keys and phones
• The top 3 nationalities with the highest number of trips in South Africa are travellers from America, the UK and Germany
• The most popular day to travel is Friday 
• We’ve completed over 2300 trips to the moon and back 
• We’ve moved as many people as it takes to fill up Soccer City stadium over 78 times

“We are excited to be celebrating such a significant milestone by strengthening our commitment to creating economic impact as South Africa’s partner for growth and innovation,” says Khaole. “In the next decade, and beyond, Uber will aim to continue innovating to meet the unique needs of riders, couriers and drivers.”