In a recent interview with the BBC, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized the importance of patience for customers awaiting rides, particularly when it comes to opting for electric vehicles (EVs). “A couple of minutes isn’t going to kill anyone,” he stated, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Uber is introducing new features aimed at encouraging riders to choose electric options. Khosrowshahi urged governments to play a more active role in promoting the sale of EVs, particularly as some countries push back against the import of Chinese-made electric cars, viewing them as unfair competition for local manufacturers. He argued that high-quality Chinese EVs can contribute positively to addressing the climate crisis.
Khosrowshahi also called on the newly formed UK government to adhere to its pre-election promise to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This pledge had previously been pushed back to 2035 under the previous administration.
Uber’s initiative to promote green rides aligns with its broader sustainability goals, which aim for all car journeys and deliveries to be completed in “zero emissions vehicles” by 2040. To facilitate this shift, the ride-hailing service is allowing customers to select a permanent preference for electric vehicles when booking rides. However, with the majority of Uber’s fleet still consisting of petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles, riders may need to wait slightly longer for an EV to arrive. “We’re not saying, hey, wait 15 minutes, but if you have to wait another two or three minutes to help the environment, why not make that investment?” Khosrowshahi remarked.
In London, nearly a third of Uber drivers have transitioned to electric vehicles, which may help reduce wait times. However, adoption rates are lower in other parts of the UK and worldwide. For instance, in major European cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris, only about 20% of the miles driven by Uber vehicles are fully electric.
Despite the push for electrification, Khosrowshahi acknowledged that Uber currently sees lower profit margins from electric rides. The company is also expanding its delivery services, with plans to compete more aggressively in sectors such as grocery and household product delivery.
The CEO addressed the concerns surrounding the price of electric vehicles, identifying it as a key barrier to broader adoption. He urged governments to provide targeted support for drivers who travel extensively, like Uber operators, rather than focusing solely on individual buyers. “The Uber driver drives four to five times the miles of average drivers,” he noted.
Khosrowshahi highlighted that imposing tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles could hinder the shift towards electric cars, arguing that such measures are detrimental to the planet. He pointed out that without these tariffs, Chinese EVs could be offered at more competitive prices in the U.S. and EU markets. Uber’s partnership with Chinese carmaker BYD, the second-largest EV manufacturer after Tesla, reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its electric fleet.
