Uber has set a goal for 100% of its U.S. rides to be in zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
“We believe we can achieve this 2030 goal in any major city where we can work with local stakeholders to implement policies that ensure a fair transition to EVs for drivers,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in a news release.
Khosrowshahi said to speed up the transition to EVs Uber is committing $800 million in resources to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to EVs by 2025.
“We’ll help drivers go electric more affordably through various market-based solutions, including a rider surcharge on Uber Green trips and fees collected from innovative programs like our London and French Clean Air Plans,” said Khosrowshahi.
Uber says drivers with electric vehicles will earn extra money with each trip.
In the U.S. and Canada, hybrid and EV drivers will receive an extra $0.50 directly from the rider on every Uber Green trip completed.
Uber Green, which is the company’s “green ride” option, is being expanded. A date on when Uber Green rides might be available in Jacksonville wasn’t announced. A check of Uber’s Jacksonville vehicle requirements page currently makes no mention of EV or hybrid vehicles.
Uber said it's working with electric carmakers, including General Motors, to “extend attractive offers on electric vehicles to drivers.”
General Motors has pledged an “all-electric” lineup in its future, although the only EV it currently sells in the U.S. is the Chevrolet Bolt. The Detroit Free Press reports GM will offer Uber drivers discounts on Bolts and 20% off Bolt charging accessories.
GM has announced a variety of EVs will be introduced over the next several years, including the recently unveiled Cadillac Lyriq and a Chevrolet Bolt EV crossover. GM has also confirmed the Hummer brand is making a comeback as an EV-only marque.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
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