(Reuters) – Uber Technologies has hired former Tesla executive Rebecca Tinucci to oversee the ride-hailing platform’s shift to electric vehicles, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
Uber has a plan to completely electrify its vehicle fleet by 2040 and vowed to invest $800 million through 2025 to help reach its goal.
Tinucci will start on Sept. 16 as Uber’s global head of sustainability to help oversee the company’s transition to a zero-emission platform. She will report to Andrew Macdonald, head of Uber’s mobility business.
The former Tesla charging head will also oversee sustainable packaging partnerships and help end unnecessary plastic waste from restaurant deliveries.
“Her deep expertise, relationships across the automotive industry… will be an incredible asset to the Uber team as we continue to drive towards zero emissions,” Macdonald said in the memo.
Tinucci was a part of Tesla’s top brass, leading its EV charging team before company chief Elon Musk disbanded most of the team as a part of large cost cutting efforts.
Uber has also been working with top EV brands like Tesla and Chinese automaker BYD to promote the adoption of battery-powered vehicles.
Uber reported strong second-quarter results earlier this month on strong demand for ride-sharing as more people return to offices and spend freely on its food-delivery services.
Reporting by Zaheer Kachwala in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber
