Uber has announced a plan to support its commitment to transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet by 2030. The company is offering drivers grants of $4,000 to help them replace gasoline-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. In conjunction with this initiative, Uber is rebranding its electric vehicle program from “Uber Green” to “Uber Electric.”
The company has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in North America and Europe by 2030 and globally by 2040. Initially, Uber had stated that it would not provide direct financial incentives to drivers making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). However, it has reversed this stance, apparently to help facilitate the adoption of EVs, especially in light of the recent expiration of a federal tax credit for EVs in the United States, which had previously assisted many drivers financially.
Under the new “Go Electric” program, drivers in select states, including New York City, California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, can apply for grants when purchasing new or used EVs. These grants, combined with local incentives, may significantly lower the effective cost of switching to electric. Uber notes that the $4,000 incentive mirrors the previous federal tax break for used EVs.
However, not all drivers may qualify for these grants right away. Uber’s push comes amid difficulties in shifting its driver base to electric vehicles. Many drivers operate with tight margins and may find the upfront costs of EVs prohibitive, despite potential savings on fuel and maintenance. The classification of drivers as independent contractors also limits Uber’s influence over their vehicle choices.
In addition to financial incentives, Uber is expanding features that accommodate EV drivers, such as a battery-aware matching tool that pairs drivers with trip requests based on their vehicle’s charge level. The company currently has approximately 200,000 EV drivers globally and aims to increase this figure through various initiatives.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/802983/uber-electric-ev-driver-4000-grant-price