Online calculator enables ride-hailing drivers to compare costs of EVs

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Tool analyses the driver’s current vehicle, mileage, fuel, and maintenance costs and uses sophisticated urban driving pattern analysis to recommend the best EV options

Global mobility platform Bolt and electric vehicle (EV) fleet software provider and Volteum have launched an online calculator to enable ride-hailing drivers to easily compare costs associated with EVs.

The calculator aims to give drivers insights into the total cost of owning an EV and opportunities to save money based on their current vehicle and driving habits.

EV adoption

Ride-hailing is key to accelerating the adoption of EVs, with drivers doing proportionately far more driving in urban areas. Recent analysis from Bolt showed that EV drivers earn more in the long term, but this has so far not translated to mass adoption of the technology. The key reason is upfront costs, with one third of drivers (35 per cent) concerned about high upfront costs and one fifth saying they need more information on running costs.

This new tool, designed specifically for ride-hailing, aims to solve that disconnect. It analyses the driver’s current vehicle, mileage, fuel, and maintenance costs and uses sophisticated urban driving pattern analysis to recommend the best EV options.

“One in five ride-hailing drivers say they want more information on EV running costs and potential savings”

“We know from driver feedback and research that ride-hailing drivers can gain significant financial benefits from switching to EV, as well as future-proofing their vehicles against future regulatory changes,” said Federico Michelini, vehicles and electrification manager, Bolt. “Despite this, many drivers are still hesitant to switch, because of high upfront costs and uncertainty about long-term savings. In fact, one in five ride-hailing drivers say they want more information on EV running costs and potential savings.

“This new tool launched with Volteum addresses these concerns by providing clear and personalised cost comparisons based on each driver’s actual expenses and specific EV models. We’re confident this will help the ride-hailing drivers make informed decisions and accelerate the transition to EVs.”

The calculator will initially be launched in the Netherlands and is free to use on the Bolt website in English and Dutch. It analyses real-time data from over three billion local data points to compare the costs of a driver’s internal combustion engine vehicle with five EV models that offer the most savings.

“At Volteum, our mission is to enable every company to use EVs even more easily than traditional vehicles, and this partnership is a key step in that direction,” said Zsófia Tóth, co-founder and CEO of Volteum. “We are excited to see this tool help thousands of drivers make informed choices and accelerate EV adoption in urban mobility, ultimately driving a more low-emission future.”

Bolt’s long-term electrification strategy, Project Zero, focuses on three areas: vehicle access; improving cost and accessibility to charging solutions; and driver awareness. The total ownership cost calculator is part of the programme to raise driver awareness along with different initiatives carried out via driver forums, direct communication and driver centres.

Additionally, Bolt has launched an EV co-financing programme supporting fleets in accessing new electric vehicles in 12 European cities. To improve driver’s access to charging partnerships, Bolt is offering drivers various charging partnerships and is also investing in charging infrastructure by opening ultra-rapid EV charging hubs exclusively accessible for ride-hailing drivers on the Bolt platform. The first of such hubs was opened in Stockholm city centre last year, and more will follow in 2025.

Bolt’s global long-term environmental commitment is to become a carbon net-zero company by 2040. Adding electric vehicles to the company’s platform is crucial to this commitment, as most of Bolt’s greenhouse gas emissions come from ride-haiing services.

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