Kia has reached a contract with Uber to develop its recently disclosed modular electric cars for ride-hailing at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Kia’s PBV, which stands for Platform Beyond Vehicle, was presented earlier this week at the event.
According to the manufacturer, its PBV concept is based on a specific business system that integrates vehicles, software, and future technologies to “deliver added value.”
The Memorandum of Understanding inked with Uber commits the two firms to working together on Kia’s planned development and deployment of personal mobility vehicles.
The president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, SeungKyu Yoon, said: “PBVs will play a key role in the customization of mobility, and by partnering with Uber, Kia aims to deliver industry-leading technology with advanced software and services to enhance the ride hailing experience.
“Drivers on the Uber platform will also have the ability to choose Kia vehicles with a comprehensive suite of offerings that will ease the ramp up of electrification and help achieve both Kia’s and Uber’s sustainability goals.”
Kia intends to establish optimal specifications for PBV vehicles by collaborating with Uber, with the possibility of further integrating technology and services to benefit both drivers and ride hailing users.
The partnership’s objectives also include the development of proofs of concept, prototypes, and the production of PBVs suited to the demands of Uber platform drivers.
“PBVs will play a key role in the transformation of mobility,” said Kia’s head of PBV division, Sangdae Kim.
“This collaboration will benefit Kia’s PBV development by providing optimized vehicles for the needs of drivers and riders.
“This will focus on advanced software and services, with the integration of interactive In-Vehicle Infotainment and advanced safety technology.”
Kia and Uber will work together to minimize the total cost of car ownership by assessing various PBV solutions and possible Battery as a Service subscription offerings.
The vice president and global head of business development at Uber, Susan Anderson, stated “That’s great news for everyone because when rideshare drivers go electric, communities see three to four times the emissions savings as a typical driver making the switch.”
“By teaming up with Kia and providing our insights, we aim to broaden the appeal and lower the cost of electric vehicles, making them a more natural choice for more drivers.”
