Arrival, a pioneer of a unique new method of design and production of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) by local Microfactories, have unveiled its first finished prototype Arrival Car.
The Arrival Car has been designed specifically for the ride-hailing industry to give the best possible experience for both drivers and passengers. It will also bring clean air to urban environments where most ride-hailing mileage occurs.
To achieve this, Arrival has created an electric vehicle that offers both visibility and comfort. The new vehicle features leg room twice as large as that of an average car of the same length.
The new Arrival Car prioritises cost, uptime, driver comfort, safety and convenience, especially as an average ride-hail vehicle will on average drive up to 50,000km a year versus 12,000km for a typical vehicle.
Arrival, have been able to develop the Car alongside ride-hailing drivers from Uber in just over six months. This timeframe and partnership to create a purpose-built vehicle is made possible because of Arrival’s vertical integration utilising technologies. These are shared across Arrival’s entire portfolio of vehicles that also includes the Van and the Bus.
Arrival will commence testing of the new Car in the new year and incorporate the feedback into the next design phase. They will continue to evolve the product to create the most efficient, safe and desirable vehicle tailored specifically to this market.
Tom Elvidge, Arrival EVP Vehicle Platforms, said: “This is a key milestone for Arrival and we’re thrilled today to be releasing the first look at the Arrival Car. Over the past six months, we have been working closely with Uber’s drivers to create a vehicle specifically for the ride-hailing industry, and making it affordable, durable and great to look at.
“Electrifying ride-hailing will play a crucial role in reducing the emissions of vehicles in cities globally, providing a sustainable, clean multi-modal transportation system for communities.
“We are keen on supporting drivers with this transition by developing the best possible product for ride-hailing that elevates the experience for both them and their passengers, making urban air clean in the process.”
Arrival announced its partnership with Uber to develop an affordable, purpose-built electric vehicle (EV) for ride-hailing drivers earlier this year. The Arrival Car addresses the global need to shift ride-hailing and car sharing services, with over an estimated 30 million drivers across the ride-hailing sector, over to electric to reduce emissions and improve air quality in cities.
Jamie Heywood, Uber regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, said: “The first reveal of the Arrival Car is an exciting moment for Uber drivers, who are switching to electric vehicles at a much faster rate than the mass market.
“Uber drivers have been working with Arrival to provide feedback on the design of the first purpose built, fully electric car for the ride-hailing industry.
“This exciting new vehicle will support our commitment for all cars on the app in London to be fully electric by 2025, helping to drive a green recovery and clean up urban transport.”
