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Arrival reveals its first electric car for ride-hailing industry
Electric vehicle maker Arrival has revealed the first finished prototype of the Arrival Car, to be manufactured at its local microfactories.
The vehicle has been designed specifically for the ride-hailing industry to give the best possible experience for both drivers and passengers and bring clean air to urban environments where most ride-hailing mileage occurs.
Designed in partnership with Uber drivers in just over six months, Arrival says that its prototype prioritises visibility, comfort, cost, safety and convenience, given an average ride-hail vehicle will drive around 45-50,000 km a year, versus 12,000 km, for a typical vehicle.
Arrival has revealed its first electric car, designed to transform the global ride-hailing industry / Picture: Arrival
This timeframe and partnership to create a purpose-built vehicle is made possible because of Arrival’s vertical integration utilising technologies that are shared across Arrival’s entire portfolio of vehicles, including the Arrival Van and the Arrival Bus. Its vehicles are designed from the ground-up and vertically integrated utilising a new method of design and production using microfactories – a totally transformative approach to automotive production.
Arrival will now commence testing of the car and will incorporate the feedback into the next design phase, continuing to evolve the product to create the most efficient, safe and desirable vehicle tailored specifically to this market.
Tom Elvidge, EVP vehicle platforms at Arrival, 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.”
The Arrival Car has been designed in partnership with Uber to create the best possible experience for ride-hailing drivers and passengers / Picture: Arrival
Jamie Heywood, regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe at Uber, added: “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.”
Arrival announced its partnership with Uber to develop an affordable, purpose-built electric vehicle for ride-hailing drivers earlier this year. The Arrival Car is addressing the global need to shift ride-hailing and car sharing services over to electric to reduce emissions and improve air quality in cities.