Why is Mercedes' EV Chief Andrew Cornelia Joining Uber?

Andrew Cornelia, who has served as CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging North America since 2023, is set to join Uber in December as the company's Global Head of Electrification & Sustainability.

His appointment fills the position which was recently vacated by Rebecca Tinucci, a former Tesla Supercharging executive who has pivoted to lead Uber Freight.

Andrew is due to step down from Mercedes at the end of November, with Heiko Schmidt, VP of Growth for the Mercedes charging network, taking over as CEO of the subsidiary thereafter.

During Andrew's two years at the helm, Mercedes' ultrafast charging network has deployed nearly new EV 500 chargers across North America, with additional installations planned for the near future.

This growing network represents Mercedes' push into the world of charging infrastructure, which it uses to support its expanding portfolio of EVs.

It will be business as usual even after Andrew departs, with Heiko's internal promotion suggesting that Mercedes is looking to keep the ball rolling with as much continuity as possible.

How the economics of ride hailing have affected EV adoption 

For Andrew, the case for electrification is obvious, both in terms of performance and finance.

"Ridehail drivers on Uber are going electric 5x faster than the general population across the US, Canada & Europe, demonstrating what's possible when economics and technology align," he explains.

"The mobility industry is at an inflection point.

"Two of the most important forces reshaping how people and goods move are electrification and autonomy –  not just as technologies, but as core drivers of growth, scale and stronger economics.

"These shifts will redefine reliability, safety, operating cost, and the overall end-to-end experience of urban mobility."

Andrew also believes that long distance driving – like that Uber drivers are accustomed to – is starting to reshape EVs and taxis in tandem.

"High-mileage driving makes EVs not only cleaner, but fundamentally more cost-effective," he argues.

The challenges and opportunities of Andrew's new role

Uber's global operations span rides, delivery and freight services, with millions of drivers and couriers worldwide.

The platform's scale presents both an opportunity for rapid EV deployment and significant infrastructure challenges around charging access and vehicle costs.

The new role is likely to focus on expanding driver and courier supply through lower operating costs. Andrew has also revealed that he will be expected to unlock the remaining systemic barriers to EV adoption by building the right kinds of charging products and infrastructure, partnerships and data systems.

The position will also oversee broader sustainability initiatives including packaging and waste reduction.

The tricky task ahead for Andrew

Andrew is a vastly experienced exec in the field of electric transport. He brings experience in mobility and energy ventures to the role, though the transition from building charging infrastructure to managing a vast driver network presents distinct operational challenges.

The appointment comes at a time when ride hailing firms like Uber are under pressure to reduce emissions from governments, regulators and consumers, while also feeling the heat to maintaining their market position from shareholders.

Uber's electrification strategy will need to balance incentivising EV adoption amongst independent contractor drivers with the capital requirements of supporting infrastructure.

The success of the initiative will likely depend on partnerships with charging networks, vehicle manufacturers and municipal governments to create viable pathways for driver electrification at scale. Andrew looks to be the right man for the job, though.

"I’m grateful to join such an exceptional team and help build the next era of mobility," he says. "Onward."