Uber Introduces $4,000 Incentive to Encourage Drivers to Transition to Electric Vehicles
In a strategic move to bolster its commitment to sustainability, Uber has rebranded its green initiative to Uber Electric, targeting users who prefer zero-emission rides. As part of this rebranding, the company is offering drivers a $4,000 grant to motivate them to switch from traditional vehicles to electric ones. Presently, Uber reports that over 200,000 electric vehicles (EVs) are part of its global network, with drivers making the switch to electric up to five times faster than conventional motorists in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
This initiative comes at a crucial time, particularly following the recent elimination of the federal tax credit on used EVs, which was previously valued up to the same amount as Uber’s new grant. The $4,000 grant is automatically available to drivers located in New York City, California, Colorado, and Massachusetts and applies to both new and used electric vehicles. Additionally, Uber drivers across the nation can receive an extra $1,000 discount when purchasing any new or used EV through TrueCar.
Expanded Features for Electric Vehicle Drivers
In conjunction with these incentives, Uber is rolling out its Battery-Aware Matching (BAM) feature, now available for select electric models from manufacturers like Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz across 25 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. This new feature enhances driver connectivity by allowing vehicles to link with the Uber Driver app, ensuring that drivers receive ride requests aligned with their current remaining battery range. Notably, Uber indicates that 49% of non-EV drivers are reluctant to switch to electric due to battery concerns, a hurdle that BAM aims to address.
In a bid to attract riders seeking EV drivers, Uber is also offering a 20% discount (up to $8) on the next electric ride using the promo code GOELECTRIC20, valid for one week. This multifaceted approach is not only designed to incentivize Uber drivers to adopt EVs but also to enhance user awareness and engagement with electric rides as part of Uber’s broader environmental goals.
