A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by the Uber ride-hailing service and the EVgo fast-charging network to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by rideshare drivers.

The announcement of the MoU by Uber and EVgo has been described by Cathy Zoi -- CEO of EVgo -- as a “big first step” taken by Uber for promoting of cleaner, emission-free operations across its ride-sharing vehicle fleet.

According to a press release, the MoU will pave the way for Uber drivers using EVs to access to the EVgo fast-charging network. Uber and EVgo will jointly educate the Uber drivers about fast chargers, and work on several pilot projects in the future. The pilot projects will essentially evaluate the need for the expansion of fast-charging network, and the ways in which charging behaviour can be optimized. Subsequently, the pilot projects may also involve a potential integration of the Uber and EVgo apps.

In the first phase of the agreement, the key focus will be on providing educational support to Uber drivers who are already using EVs for offering shared rides. In addition, these EV drivers will also be informed about the accessibility to the EVgo public fast-charging network.

As a result of its partnership with Uber, EVgo will be able to build on its earlier work with General Motors’ Maven Gig, WaiveCar, and Lyft services. The EV charging network claims to operate over 1,200 DC fast charging stations at 750 sites in 66 metropolitan markets across 34 North American states.