In collaboration with local taxi and rental car company Hinomaru Kotsu, the first 30 Model Ys will be deployed in the Setagaya, Edogawa, and Adachi districts starting in November 2023, and the fleet will grow to the aforementioned 100 Tesla electric cars across Tokyo by the end of 2024.
Uber will create a category for electric cars in its app as part of its "Uber Premium" service, so that they can be specifically booked. Hinomaru Kotsu will build charging infrastructure for electric cars at its locations in the Adachi and Setagaya wards later this year.
A press release translated from Japanese says Uber chose the Tesla Model Y because of its "range, driving performance, quietness, and high-quality interior and exterior," but does not say which drive version Uber ordered.
Shiro Yamanaka, General Manager Mobility Business, said, "I am very pleased to work with Hinomaru Kotsu and Tesla Japan to promote zero-emission vehicles. [We expect demand for Uber Premium to continue to grow with the introduction of the Tesla Model Y, which is popular as a luxury vehicle, as a dedicated vehicle."
"We are also focusing on the taxi and rental business, mainly in North America, and we are very excited to realize the 100-car initiative in Japan." Ryokusai Inoue, country manager of Tesla Motors Japan, is quoted in the Uber announcement. "We believe that Tesla vehicles have great benefits not only for the safe transportation of customers, but also for drivers and business owners. We will continue to experience the charm of Tesla and expand it widely throughout Japan, whether for businesses or individuals."
Source: Uber