Uber hires ex-Tesla exec Rebecca Tinucci to oversee EV transition, memo says

In an internal memo seen by Reuters on Tuesday, Uber announced it has brought Tesla veteran Rebecca Tinucci on board to oversee its shift to EVs. Tinucci, who led Tesla’s plan for EV charging, will officially start as Uber’s head of global sustainability on September 16. In her new position, Tinucci will lead Uber’s strategy aimed at achieving zero-emission vehicle fleet by 2040.

They plan to invest USD 800 million by the year 2025 to achieve this objective of reducing the carbon footprint. He will also oversee sustainability efforts for packaging and reducing plastic use for restaurant deliveries and will report to Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s head of mobility business.

Macdonald welcomed Tinucci’s appointment as the company could benefit from her industry contacts and experience. Said Williams in the memo: “Her deep expertise and relationships across the automotive industry will be an incredible asset to the Uber team as we continue to drive towards zero emissions.”

The hire comes at a time when Uber has embarked on a war to constantly go green as a company. She left Tesla after a massive reshuffle at the electric vehicle maker firm whereby most of the EV charging team was let go as part of a cost-saving measure.

Uber has been working with key EV manufacturers such as Tesla and China’s BYD in a bid to expand the use of battery-powered cars within their network. The giant ride-hailing service has posted a good third-quarter performance, with highly upbeat figures for the second quarter, buoyed by demand for ride sharing and strong sales from its food delivery station.

The investment firm’s focus of supporting sustainability and electric cars is in line with its overall environmental concerns and depict an emerging trend of companies integrating environmental concerns especially in the transportation industry.