Uber Technologies is intensifying its green initiatives in India by implementing various strategies to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs). To support sustainable transportation, the company will introduce 25,000 EVs through partnerships with fleet operators such as Lithium, Everest, and Moove.
This initiative, called Uber Green, will be launched in June. Moreover, Uber plans to collaborate with Zypp Electric, an EV start-up, to roll out 10,000 electric two-wheelers in Delhi by 2024.
To facilitate the transition to EVs, Uber has joined forces with micro-lender SIDBI to provide financing of 10 billion rupees (approximately USD 122.3 million). This funding will assist individuals in purchasing clean cars and establishing charging stations in collaboration with partners. By offering these financial resources, Uber aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles among its drivers.
The emergence of BluSmart, an electric mobility start-up backed by BP’s venture fund, has posed a challenge to Uber and SoftBank-backed Ola. BluSmart Mobility has focused on building an all-electric taxi fleet and aggressively attracting dissatisfied passengers and drivers from the incumbent ride-hailing platforms. In response, Uber is stepping up its green initiatives to maintain its market position and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and drivers.
Trending News:
What’s happening at Goafest today?
Google launches new era of AI-powered advertising and marketing tools
Furthermore, Uber has partnered with Jio-bp to bring its global mobility agreement with BP Pulse to India. This collaboration will enable Uber drivers to access BP Pulse’s charging networks and will contribute to the development of new charging infrastructure across the country. By expanding charging options, Uber aims to alleviate concerns about EV range and availability of charging stations, thereby encouraging more drivers to transition to electric vehicles.
“Introducing Uber Green – an all-electric, zero tailpipe emission vehicle that’s bringing the on-demand EV experience to India, in just a few taps! In an effort towards Uber’s commitment to become a zero-emissions mobility platform globally by 2040 and a measure to combat climate change through sustainable mobility, Uber Green is the step we’re taking towards a cleaner future,” says Uber.
These plans to establish a green fleet align with Uber’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The company views India and South Asia as crucial regions for its growth strategy and aims to have over 1 million EVs operating in these areas. Uber’s decision to prioritize electric vehicles in India stems from the government’s push for greater electrification of public transportation and shared mobility.
Uber is proactively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in India by introducing more EVs, collaborating with fleet operators, offering financing options, and allowing users to choose electric vehicles when booking rides. These efforts demonstrate Uber’s commitment to sustainability and its desire to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions within the transportation sector.
India’s huge scale and electrification momentum makes the country a priority for Uber as we seek to meet our commitment to electrify every ride on our platform by 2040,” said Andrew Macdonald, the senior vice president for mobility and business operations at Uber.