Uber to Spend $800 Million to Help Drivers Transition to EVs

Ridesharing giant Uber has recently revealed that it will be introducing its electric vehicle (EV) rideshare service, Comfort Electric, to 14 new markets. This initiative marks a small but meaningful stride towards Uber’s overarching goal of eliminating petrol-powered vehicles from its fleet by 2030.

As part of the expansion, the Comfort Electric program is now available in Detroit, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Minneapolis / St. Paul, Montreal, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Tampa Bay, and Toronto, as of today.

To help their drivers switch to electric cars, Uber is investing $800 million, in partnership with Hertz to provide EVs and are also offering drivers a (limited-time) Zero Emissions incentive. This offer will enable EV drivers to earn an additional $1 on every trip (up to $4,000 per calendar year).

“With Tesla and Hyundai rental offers from Hertz,” Uber says, “you won’t need to make any long-term commitments or buy a car of your own to drive with Uber. Offer includes basic maintenance and unlimited mileage. EV rentals qualify for the Zero Emissions incentive and allow you to earn more through Uber Comfort and Uber Green trips.”

Additionally, drivers can benefit from $100 off a Wallbox EV charger, along with a further $100 discount on installation costs. The incentive is available for a limited time only in the US and Canada.

Uber first launched the program in California in May 2021 and later rolled it out to 25 additional markets across the US in September of that year. Comfort Electric is different from Uber Green, which includes both hybrid and electric vehicles and costs the same as UberX. The ride-hailing company also offers e-bikes and e-scooters in collaboration with Lime for those who prefer not to use cars.

Uber has also set itself some ambitious environmental goals. By 2025, the company aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% and eradicate them entirely in North America by 2030. Furthermore, Uber has set the long-term target of achieving zero emissions globally by 2040.

It’s worth noting that Comfort Electric rides are more expensive than standard UberX rides, usually around 20-40% more costly. However, the company is incentivizing users to try the service by offering 25% off two rides with the coupon code “GOELECTRIC” between April 11th and 30th.