Ford is offering flexible leasing deals for the Mustang Mach-E to Uber drivers in three cities

Uber drivers don’t have easy access to Tesla when they want to switch to electric cars. Ford and Uber are launching an expanded pilot program offering flexible Mustang Mach-E leases to drivers in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Operators choose between one and four month leases and receive the Mach-E within two weeks. They then use the Ford Drive app to manage payments and maintenance. At the same time, Ford is buying electric crossovers from dealers and putting them into service.

Lease costs $199 per week including 500 miles, $249 per week including 1,000 miles. Drivers pay 20 cents for each additional mile over their plan. It may sound expensive, but Ford relies on hassle-free dealerships and restoration. Uber workers can only hire when they have enough driving time to justify the cost.

Ford and Uber initially tested Drive in San Diego last year with more than 150 Mustang Mach-Es. The companies did not say how successful the first run was, but noted that California is the best market for demand for Uber’s electric cars. According to Ford, almost 10 percent of all passenger miles will be driven by electric vehicles by the end of 2022.

To qualify, drivers must have at least a 4.85 star rating and over 150 drives. The Mustang on offer is a standard rear-wheel-drive model with a 247-mile range, though it features CoPilot360 drivers.

The leasing option is in line with Uber’s goal of becoming an emission-free service in North America and Europe by 2030. In theory, this makes electric cars more profitable for drivers who can’t commit to a multi-year purchase or lease. Uber is also upping the ante with an extra $1 per ride (up to $4,000 per year) and the option to serve up Comfort Electric’s premium drivers. Not that Uber has many options. California requires most passenger cars to be electric by 2030, while New York City wants to switch wholesale that same year.

Meanwhile, Ford is taking advantage by putting the Mach-E in the hands of ride-hailing drivers who might rent a Tesla electric car through Hertz. This increases the visibility of the brand also among commuters and helps Ford establish its position as a general mobility company. The challenge is simply competing with Tesla’s size. The Hertz deal will put up to 50,000 Tesla EVs on America’s roads, and Ford’s Drive Pilot won’t compete with its current lineup.