Uber and Revel partner up to offer EV drivers exclusive charging discounts in NYC
Uber Technologies and charging provider Revel have announced a new strategic partnership in which the rideshare network will financially support the latter in expanding its charging infrastructure in exchange for exclusive charging discounts for its drivers. The perks will start in New York City with plans to expand Revel chargers and discounts to other major cities across the US.
Everyone already knows Uber, so we will start with a quick refresher course on Revel. The Brooklyn-based EV charging startup was founded in 2018 and is focused on all-electric taxi fleets and the charging infrastructure necessary to support them.
The company is easily recognizable by its sky blue Tesla Model Ys and Kia Niro EVs driving around the Big Apple. In November 2022, Revel shared intentions to expand its network of fast chargers outside of New York City into other major metropolitan areas in the US.
Today, the startup has announced a unique partnership with the biggest name in rideshares, Uber, to help expedite that process in exchange for charging support for its drivers.
Revel to offer Uber drivers 25% discount in multi-year deal
The new partners shared details of their multi-year strategic partnership this morning, in which Uber drivers gain access to Revels 250 fast chargers currently operating around New York City at a discount that varies based on a driver’s status in the network.
As part of this exclusive deal, Uber says it will provide a “financial commitment” to Revel as a utilization guarantee up to certain levels to support existing and future EV chargers in NYC. Furthermore, Uber will share its aggregated data to help the charging startup determine the best locations for future EV charging stations. Andrew Macdonald, Senior Vice President of Mobility and Business Operations at Uber, elaborated:
Tackling urban charging deserts is an important part of building an all-electric future. Since our earliest days, Uber has proudly served underserved communities with rides and earning opportunities and we are thrilled to continue that progress in partnership with Revel to ensure the next wave of charging infrastructure in New York City serves EV drivers and city residents alike.
With the partnership in place, Uber drivers become eligible for charging rate discounts of up to 25% on Revel’s network. Those discounts are determined by a driver’s given status in Uber Pro – the rideshare company’s rewards program for drivers. Revel says the discount will apply to its per kWh retail charging rates.
Revel’s charging sites around New York City are public and available 24/7, and the startup only charges drivers for the charging itself, with no fees for access or parking, enabling Uber drivers to get in and out more quickly and get back to making money.
Revel currently operates the three largest fast charging stations in New York City but intends to extend its reach to more neighborhoods in need. Not to mention more large cities around the US. Per Revel co-founder and CEO Frank Reig:
Together, Revel and Uber are showing how to accelerate EV infrastructure in the hardest to build places, dense cities. With Uber’s guarantee of demand at our sites, we’ll be able to expand our public charging network faster first here in New York and soon in other big rideshare markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and more.
Revel is currently working on a previously announced EV charging station near LaGuardia Airport, which will include 48 fast charger piles adjacent to the area’s designated “for-hire” waiting area. When complete, it will be the largest public fast charging station by any airport in the US, and we expect to see Uber drivers taking full advantage of it in the future.
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The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
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