Uber accelerates push towards green future with electric focused initiatives
Uber has its sight set on becoming a zero-emissions platform by 2040. The company, which set out on this mission four years ago, is seeing steady progress.
Today, over 182,000 electric vehicles (EVs) are active on Uber’s platform, a sharp increase from just a few hundred at the start. In key regions like London, nearly 30% of miles driven on Uber are now electric.
Globally, Uber Green, which allows users to select hybrid or electric rides, is now available in over 200 cities. The company’s investment into the transition is showing results, with Uber drivers adopting EVs at a rate five times higher than average drivers in the US, Canada, and Europe.
However, Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, acknowledges there’s more to be done. He has called for both public and private sectors to act more urgently in addressing climate change. Uber aims to speed up its efforts through new features designed to make greener transport choices easier for both consumers and drivers.
For riders, Uber is expanding its EV-only option to over 40 cities, making it as accessible as its standard service, UberX. A new feature will allow users to prioritise EVs and track their emissions savings, even factoring in journeys made on bikes, scooters, and UberX Share rides. Uber will also be running exclusive events where riders can experience premium EVs like the Lotus Eletre in London.
Uber has also launched updates aimed at supporting its drivers. An AI assistant is being rolled out to answer EV-related questions. In addition, Uber is pairing experienced EV drivers with those interested in making the switch, offering real-world advice through a mentorship programme. A new partnership with Octopus Energy will give 1,000 UK drivers access to free home chargers and discounted public charging rates.
The company is not just focusing on drivers and consumers. Merchants using Uber Eats are also being offered new green initiatives. A marketplace for sustainable packaging is being launched globally, with discounts and incentives for restaurants, starting in Paris. Uber has pledged $1 million to help businesses in the French capital adopt eco-friendly packaging.
In line with its broader environmental goals, Uber has also partnered with The Earthshot Prize to support innovation in climate solutions. Khosrowshahi emphasised that collaboration is essential to achieving these targets and sees Uber as a platform to drive sustainable practices across various sectors.
As Uber pushes ahead with these initiatives, the company aims to make green choices simpler, more affordable, and more widely adopted.
