Uber Invests in EV Charging to Power Future Robotaxi Fleet

Ride-hailing giant bets big on charging infrastructure for both drivers and autonomous vehicles

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Uber announced a new initiative to invest in EV charging infrastructure, with a two-pronged approach to support both its current driver fleet and its future autonomous robotaxi operations. The company will offer incentives to charging providers to install chargers in areas frequented by Uber drivers, while also committing over $100 million to develop its own network of DC fast-charging hubs at autonomous vehicle depots and priority cities.

Why it matters

Uber's investments in charging are a strategic move to prepare for a future dominated by electric, autonomous vehicles. By ensuring reliable charging access for both its human-driven fleet today and its planned robotaxi operations, Uber is positioning itself to compete in the rapidly evolving mobility landscape against rivals like Waymo, Tesla, and Zoox.

The details

Uber's new charging initiative has two key components: First, the company will offer incentives to charging providers like EVgo to install chargers in neighborhoods where Uber drivers live or frequently pick up and drop off passengers. This helps guarantee a minimum usage for the chargers, reducing the risk for the charging operators. Second, Uber will directly invest over $100 million to develop its own network of DC fast-charging hubs at autonomous vehicle depots and in priority cities, to support the charging needs of its future robotaxi fleet.

  • Uber announced the new charging initiative on February 18, 2026.
  • The rollout of Uber's own charging network will begin in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas, before expanding to additional cities.

The players

Uber

A ride-hailing company that is investing in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies to power its future mobility services.

EVgo

A company that operates a network of public electric vehicle charging stations, which Uber is partnering with to install chargers in areas frequented by Uber drivers.

Lucid

An electric vehicle manufacturer that has a deal with Uber to create a robotaxi service using Lucid EVs powered by Nuro's self-driving software.

Waymo

Alphabet's autonomous driving company, which has partnered with Uber to allow Uber users to summon Waymo robotaxis in certain cities.

Dara Khosrowshahi

The CEO of Uber, who sees robotaxi deployments as a multitrillion-dollar opportunity for the company.

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What they’re saying

“Uber's investments in charging are a bet on its vision for an autonomous, electric future.”

— Pras Subramanian, Lead Auto Reporter for Yahoo Finance (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Uber plans to begin rolling out its network of DC fast-charging hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas, before expanding to additional cities.

The takeaway

Uber's strategic investments in EV charging infrastructure, both for its current driver fleet and future robotaxi operations, demonstrate the company's commitment to transitioning to an electric, autonomous future and positioning itself as a leader in the evolving mobility landscape.