Uber is introducing new features that allow riders to choose hybrid or electric cars, encouraging Australians to make environmentally friendly choices. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel options.

New Eco-Friendly Ride Options

Uber’s latest feature includes two sustainable ride options: Uber Green and Comfort Electric. Uber Green allows customers to select either an electric or hybrid vehicle, costing the same as a standard UberX. Comfort Electric offers rides in fully-electric cars that have completed at least 100 rides and maintained a rating of 4.85 stars or higher.

Tracking Emissions Savings

With the new initiative, Rider Emissions Savings, passengers can see how many kilograms of CO2 emissions they have saved on the app. We calculate the saved emissions by comparing the tailpipe emissions of the selected vehicle with those of an UberX or Uber Comfort vehicle.

Anna Brito, Head of Sustainability, Strategy, and Planning at Uber Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the company’s commitment to making it easier for Australians to choose greener travel options.

“We want to make it effortless for our riders to embrace a lower-emissions lifestyle,” she said. “We hope this new feature encourages Aussies to reconsider their habits when it comes to greener ways of traveling.”

Increasing Adoption of Electric Vehicles

In the first quarter of 2024, Australians took 1.8 million trips in electric vehicles (EVs) via Uber, with over 4,000 EVs providing more than 20,000 zero-emission rides daily. During this period, EVs accounted for 4% of Uber drivers’ kilometers. Uber has committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions by 2040.

Growing Interest in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

A survey by Pureprofile found that over half of Australian drivers intend to purchase a new car within the next year. About 30% of respondents plan to buy an electric vehicle, 20% are considering a hybrid car, and the remaining 50% will opt for petrol vehicles.

The study highlighted key reasons for choosing electric cars: potential fuel savings, environmental benefits, energy efficiency, and the ability to use solar power for travel. However, the rising cost of living and high purchase prices for electric cars were significant barriers, with government rebates insufficient to change some consumers’ minds.

Government Efforts and Market Trends

The federal government recently introduced laws to increase the supply of electric vehicles in Australia. Current figures show that electric cars make up nearly 10% of new car purchases. EV sales have increased by almost 27% this year, while sales of hybrid cars have doubled.

Uber’s new features and the growing adoption of electric vehicles reflect a broader shift towards sustainable transportation in Australia. By offering greener ride options and highlighting the environmental impact of their choices, Uber aims to inspire more Australians to embrace a lower-emissions lifestyle.

The information is taken from Daily mail MSN