Uber pledges to go green – but is it enough?

Uber loses its licence to operate in the capital

Uber has pledged for all every car on its platform will be electric by 2040.

The car-hailing app revealed plans to invest $800bn to help drivers switch to electric cars.

According to Uber, it is the group’s “responsibility” to tackle climate change.

Every vehicle across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe will be electric by 2030.

“Uber is committing to become a full zero-emission platform by 2040,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, the group’s chief executive.

“We’re also setting an earlier goal to have 100% of rides take place in electric vehicles in US, Canadian and European cities by 2030.”

Coronavirus lockdowns have offered “a glimpse of what life could be like with less traffic and cleaner air” but added that carbon emissions would soon return to “normal”.

“Instead of going back to business as usual, Uber is taking this moment as an opportunity to reduce our environmental impact,” he added.

Uber has said that drivers will be able to earn more per ride if they are using electric or hybrid cars.

Grant Shapps, the UK’s transport secretary, has welcomed the move.

William Todts, executive director of the campaign group Transport & Environment, said: “Uber’s commitment to rapidly electrify its fleet in major European cities is good news.”

“Now it’s time for Europe’s city mayors to show leadership. We need all big cities in Europe to introduce zero-emission zones, new pop-up bike lanes and cycle-only corridors, while also providing easy access to charging at home, at work and wherever people park.”

Uber has previously said that it hopes all vehicles in London to be electric by 2025.

A spokesman for Sadiq Khan said: “Just four months ago, Uber was forced to overhaul the way it operates after years of poor conduct and the mayor welcomes this change in approach.”

“However, electric cars are not a complete solution. We also need to address the damaging impact that the rising number of private hire vehicles has on congestion and air pollution.”

 

Previous articleThomas Cook: Will the group make a successful comeback?
Next articlePound Sterling hits six-week low as it continues fall against Euro and Dollar
Avatar photo
Safiya focuses on business and political stories for UK Investor Magazine. Her interests include international development, travel and politics.