An Uber feature that allows riders in European cities to opt for a “green” car is now coming to the US and Canada. Uber Green, as it’s known, is part of the ride-hailing giant’s renewed commitment to become zero-carbon by 2040.
Basically, how it works is when you select a ride, a card will pop up on your screen asking if you want to select a green vehicle. Although it will cost you one extra dollar, the new feature enables you to vote with your wallet and reduce your personal emissions. That said, gas-powered hybrids are also being counted as green in the program.
According to Uber, drivers of clean cars will get a $0.50 extra every ride, while those who operate zero-tailpipe-emission cars (battery EVs) get an additional $1 for their trouble.
Uber also announced it will team up with car manufacturers like GM to help make battery EVs cheaper to buy for drivers. The company will also affirm commitments to build out its own EV charging infrastructure and partner with local governments to support local clean air initiatives.
