Uber reveals new ecomobility measures

Uber has announced that it is to introduce a number of features over the next few months with the goal of increasing the transportation conglomerate’s sustainability momentum. 

The measures, set out by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, includes Rider Emissions Savings where passengers will be able to personally track the emissions they have avoided when choosing zero-carbon rides via Uber Green and Comfort Electric, Eco-Friendly Routes, CarShare and Green Curb for Airports to reduce emissions across the platform. 

Additionally, Smart Charging for drivers will use advances in machine learning to help them decide when and where they should charge, so they can maximize their earnings. Drivers will also be able to filter trip requests based on a battery level and make the charging experience seamless.

New goals have also been announced for its Uber Eats delivery service to eliminate emissions and drastically reduce plastic waste.

Smart Charging for drivers will use advances in machine learning to help them decide when and where they should charge, so they can maximize their earnings

GREEN MILE

Khosrowshahi says: "Driving down emissions is the defining challenge of our generation, and every day we make dozens of choices that impact the planet, from the food we eat to the transportation we choose. While our personal values guide these decisions, convenience does too, which is why Uber is making it easier for millions to make greener choices, one ride and delivery at a time. The small changes we're announcing today add up to something big: building sustainability into the core user experience across our global platform to reach our zero-emissions goals together.”

The ride-share giants offer a suite of sustainable products, including Uber Green for low and zero-emission rides and Comfort Electric for electric rides in premium vehicles, in over 200 cities. The new package of measures and initiatives, the company says, will only add to the sector-leading offering and has begun with the launch of UberX Share in 18 additional cities, allowing more riders to share their trip, cut emissions and save money when matched with a co-rider along the way.UberX Share is now available in 50+ global cities, making it the most widely available shared rides product in the world.

GREEN CURB AT AIRPORTS

Uber has also added a range of perks for riders and drivers to encourage them to go green at the airport. For passengers who choose Uber Comfort Electric or Uber Green, perks include lower fares and exclusive access to dedicated pickup zones in preferred locations at the airport. 

Drivers will be offered convenient, discounted, or even free access to fast chargers in the driver waiting areas. Green Curb will be rolled out in the US at Portland International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, and internationally at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. London Heathrow has also launched dedicated Uber pickup with Uber Green signage and passengers will receive a 10% discount when selecting Uber Green at the airport.

ECO-FRIENDLY ROUTES

Starting last year in North America, Uber updated its mapping algorithms to be more fuel efficient, without increasing the time and fare of the trip. The algorithms take elevation and the amount of stopping and starting at red lights into account, factors that dictate a vehicle’s fuel consumption. The update has helped drivers avoid 9,800 metric tons of CO2, or 4.2 million litres of fuel in the few months since its launch. The update will be expanded globally later in 2023.

Khosrowshahi also announced that Uber is building technology that will assess real-time signals - such as charger prices, charging time, and traffic levels - to “recommend when and where drivers should charge, so they can maximize their earnings both while on the road and when planning ahead.” The new Battery-Aware Matching app will filter trip requests based on a driver’s battery level, so they can take trips that end near a charger.”

The North American mapping algorithm update has helped drivers avoid 9,800 metric tons of CO2, or 4.2 million litres of fuel in the few months since its launch. The update will be expanded globally later in 2023

EATS: SHOOTS AND LEAVES

In a new commitment, Uber is aiming to eliminate emissions on all Uber Eats deliveries globally by 2040, and end all unnecessary restaurant plastic waste by 2030. This will be supported through partnerships including the World Wildlife Fund to support restaurants and couriers, as well as leaders in e-mobility such as Cooltra and Human Forest to increase car-free deliveries.

This builds on an existing commitment to become a zero-emissions mobility platform in London by 2025, in Europe and North America by 2030, and globally by 2040.

Uber operates in more than 10,000 cities with roughly 1 million trips every hour, enabling the 130 million people who use Uber around the globe to go green more quickly, a move that will have a positive impact on cities around the world.

“Uber will continue to be transparent about our progress by publishing our carbon intensity, on both rides and deliveries, every year to be accountable for improvement,” concludes Khosrowshahi.