Using Uber Driving to Spread the EV experience

[jgillmer]

Reposting the below that I wrote as a response in another thread - Thought it might interesting on its own.

I've had my MME for almost two years - early on, I had people do this in any parking lot I pulled up in.



Recently, I began driving for Uber with a few evenings a week with dual intentions: Raise the profile of electric cars and raise additional funds to give away to science and environmental causes. It's amazing how many people would say, right out of the gate, I didn't know Ford made SUV Mustangs, and, when I tell them it's and electric vehicle, the floodgates open. About 8 out 10 who hit me up to talk EVs (I don't I initiate unless I get asked to respect that some just want to get from A to B and be left alone) end up saying "I need to check this out when my lease/car payments are up." They often are amazed by the glass ceiling, the obnoxiously large screen, and how nice the interior of the car is. I even had one person get in and then check her phone while muttering "oh no, did I pick Uber Black by accident, I can't afford this." I assured her she had not and the fare was an Uber XL. She looked at me like, "what the hell are you doing driving Uber regular in an expensive car?!" I'm weird like that



My biggest challenge is that no one can figure out how to open the doors. I bought car magnets and laminated the front with "Open Here" and an arrow pointing to the button.



I've enjoyed it so far. And no one's thrown up or disrespected my property. Only one person complained about speeding (trying to get him to the airport on-time as he was the third stop of a Uber Share, and he remarked how long it was taking - why he chose to save $2 on a share vs. A guaranteed straight drive is beyond me, but I digress). On that point (driving to the letter of the law when the Uber Driver app is on), I'm still getting used to being extra careful about sticking to the speed limit, accelerating and slowing gently and tamping down the urge to rocket off of a light. Two passengers wanted to feel the rollercoaster effect from 0-60 acceleration, but could only accommodate one (on-ramp to a highway) because I can't do it unless I can stay below the speed limit.



The evangelization is working - lots more people getting real-world experience in an EV - a good one at that. And my first 30 hours of driving over that last month has generated $1,000. By year end, after taking out of the kitty funds for the fast charging (not as expensive as you think - EVGo gives Uber drivers 15% off, making it $0.20/kWh in Northern Virginia), upgrades on the interior, like 3 way camera, leather seat covers, charging hubs, water bottles, foldable thermal bags, and the likelihood of a ticket or two from photoradar (evil little things), may get to $4,000 in extra charitable giving for 2023.



Another side benefit is that I often get asked about other environmental-related things I do like, do I have solar panels (yes, I do) and do you have other battery powered gadgets (yup, all my lawn and yard equipment). I've found more people consider these changes, not necessarily first because of concern for climate (and definitely not from being lectured at - good way to actually push someone away from considering), but rather that they are superior experiences and make sense. Literally half my neighborhood has converted to battery mowers in the last 7 years (the other have use lawn services). It's not because I was knocking on doors and proclaiming everyone needs to get rid of their gas mowers - they simply saw me mowing with something a quarter of the sound decibels and no mess. They ask me about it (how well does it perform, how much does it cost - are you afraid of running out of battery before the lawn is finished). I tell them my experience and within months or the start of the next spring, there's a 2nd then 3rd them 4th Ryobi or Eco on Sat. Mornings.



Similarly, what I think Ford got right and is helping to drive EV adoption, was not to start with something so far out that while a curiosity, most would shy away from because it's too new/different or is virtue projecting, but rather iconic brands that make sense because of superior drive experience, and, oh by the way, no tailpipe emissions and $9 for a workweek worth of commute and normal around town range. And between free charging stations, it's more like $5 a week for non-long distance travel (or Uber driving like I am doing on Fri and Sat nights). Further, with the Uber driver 15% discount I mentioned with EVGo, the DCFC charging I may do in the middle of a shift or when I drive to see family is now as cheap as $15-20 for a "tank" - not quite as cheap as at home ($0.11/kWh), but close.

Sponsored

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

@jgillmer That is very cool and thanks for what you are doing.

My wife and I went to dinner last night and as we pulled up, someone was getting out of a red MME Lyft. That was the first time I have seen a MME used for Uber/Lyft. The more people that dont know BEV use them and are exposed to the them, the more they will be educated. Joe, hopefully you will be an ambassador and change a few minds.

I have been trying to talk with a few pro-ICE/muscle car guys at work about BEV's. They always take the same anti-BEV line of "you know your not saving the planet". My response is that I did not buy it to save the planet and that I wanted a car that had less maintenance than an ICE, was cheaper to drive (if I charge at home), had incredible acceleration and great performance, etc. Probably not going to convert them but at least we are having a dialogue. Warning: Soap box alert. I wish we all could have a more civilized and respectful talk on almost every topic and take the position of being ok with someone not having the same opinion as ours. Mom used to tell me if we all thought alike, we would be eating the same ice cream, chocolate chip. ?