Brands Hatch, Kent – In a bold move to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption among private hire drivers, Uber and Toyota joined forces to host a high-octane EV track day at the legendary Brands Hatch circuit.
More than 300 Uber drivers were invited to put the latest Toyota and Lexus electric models through their paces on one of the UK’s most iconic racing tracks. From zipping around in the sleek Lexus UX 300e to experiencing the robust Toyota bZ4X SUV, the event offered a unique chance to get behind the wheel of over 80 battery-powered vehicles.
The track day is the latest chapter in a growing partnership between the ride-hailing giant and the Japanese car manufacturer. Last year, Toyota launched a dedicated platform tailored specifically for Uber drivers in the UK, offering bespoke finance deals and vehicle options suited to their needs. In just six months, nearly 2,000 Uber drivers have made the switch to electric Toyota or Lexus vehicles under this scheme.
The event also gave drivers a close look at the latest people carriers in Toyota’s line-up, including the spacious Proace Verso and Proace City Verso, designed with group travel and family transfers in mind—perfect for high-demand airport and multi-passenger work.
A standout moment came when Nuruzzaman Chowdhury, an Uber driver from Poplar, East London, won a brand-new Toyota bZ4X SUV in a prize draw—prompting cheers from fellow drivers and event staff alike.
Speaking on the success of the initiative, Alastair Rutt, Senior Manager for Toyota’s Business Team, said:
“Our electric vehicle initiative with Uber has already been an outstanding success, with more than 100,000 visits to our dedicated microsite and thousands of drivers going ahead with a new vehicle purchase. With our Brands Hatch driving event, we were able to give our guests a real-world introduction to the strengths of our model range for a business where reliable performance and long-lasting quality are key.”
As the UK private hire sector continues to evolve, partnerships like this are paving the way for a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future for drivers and passengers alike.
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