Octopus and Uber Offer Free EV Chargers for 1,000 UK Homes

Octopus Energy has partnered with Uber to install free electric vehicle chargers at the homes of 1,000 Uber drivers across the UK. The move is expected to save drivers a total of nearly £ 1 million, with each individual saving more than £700 a year on charging costs. To qualify, drivers need to sign up for Intelligent Octopus Go, which is the company’s specialised electric vehicle tariff.

The chargers provided will be the Ohme ePod model, designed to integrate smartly with home electricity use. Drivers will also benefit from an additional perk, an 8% discount on public charging through Octopus Electroverse. This network comprises more than 36,000 chargers nationwide, providing drivers with a reliable and cost-effective way to top up their batteries on the go.

This initiative is part of Uber’s broader mission to transition its London fleet to fully electric vehicles. Currently, approximately 40 per cent of the total distance driven by Uber vehicles in the city is powered by electricity. The company is aiming much higher.

Earlier this year, in June, Uber announced plans to pilot a new battery swapping scheme for electric moped riders. This trial will be run in collaboration with Vmoto and could make a significant difference for delivery partners who lack access to home charging points. The battery swap model has already gained traction across several Asian markets where Uber Eats operates, and this will be its first test run in the UK.

Alongside battery swaps, Uber is introducing discounted maintenance and charging services for electric moped drivers. The savings could run into hundreds of pounds or euros per rider, making the shift to electric more attractive and financially viable.

That same week, Uber also revealed a strategic collaboration with C40 Cities. The goal is to accelerate home charging access for drivers not only in London, but also in major US cities such as Boston and Phoenix. The joint effort aims to eliminate one of the key bottlenecks in EV adoption, reliable and convenient access to charging infrastructure where drivers live.

Together, these steps form part of a growing wave of innovation in sustainable urban transport. And for the thousands of drivers who rely on platforms like Uber to earn their living, the shift to electric just became a little easier — and a lot more affordable.

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Octopus Energy, said: “Uber drivers spend more time in their cars than anyone else, so no one knows better what’s good to drive and cheaper to run.

“With over a third of Uber drivers already feeling the benefits of EVs, we’re making it even easier for more drivers to go electric. By offering a smart charging tech bundle that does the hard work for them, Uber drivers can get real savings, and offer customers a smoother ride and next-level service.” 

Andrew Brem, General Manager of Uber UK, added: “Uber drivers are leading the way in switching to EVs, embracing cleaner vehicles much faster than the general public. But one of the biggest barriers they continue to face is access to affordable and reliable charging.

“This partnership with Octopus helps tackle that, making it easier for more drivers to go electric across the UK.”