This summer, thousands of tennis fans heading to the Australian Open in Melbourne can take advantage of a unique opportunity to experience electric vehicles (EVs) for free. Uber and Kia have partnered to provide over 20,000 complimentary rides to and from the Melbourne tennis precinct, using a fleet of 50 electric vehicles over two weeks.
This initiative follows the recent introduction of new vehicle efficiency standards and comes at a time when electric car sales in Australia are expected to hit significant milestones. The partnership marks the second year Uber and Kia have collaborated to offer free EV rides around the Australian Open, with over 10,000 rides given out during last year’s event.
With a larger fleet of electric cars this year, Uber Australia and New Zealand’s General Manager, Emma Foley, said the goal is to expand the program’s impact. “We aim to double the number of rides and kilometers traveled, providing an environmentally friendly transportation option for tennis fans,” she shared. “Currently, we’re offering more than 25,000 electric rides every day across Australia.”
The fleet for the program will include Kia’s EV6 and EV9 models, along with the newer EV5 vehicles, which were released just two months ago. Kia Australia’s CEO, Damien Meredith, emphasized that for many passengers, this might be their first experience with an electric vehicle. “We have a responsibility to ensure the public gets as much exposure to EVs as possible,” he said.
The free rides will be available to Uber One members and cover travel from or to the Melbourne tennis precinct, up to a value of $100, from January 12 to 26.
The launch of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard on January 1, which sets emissions caps for automakers and encourages the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles, has helped drive growth in the EV market. Meredith pointed out that the new regulations have provided the industry with more stability and clarity. “Now that we have a clear path forward, it’s up to us to show consumers why transitioning to EVs is the future,” he explained.
Electric vehicle sales in Australia saw a steady rise in 2024, reaching over 91,000 new cars, accounting for 8.3% of the overall market in December, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and the Electric Vehicle Council. As the adoption of EVs continues to grow, programs like the one at the Australian Open play a vital role in encouraging drivers to make the switch to more sustainable transportation options.
