Uber Rebrands ‘Green’ to ‘Electric’, Offers $4,000 Grants to Drivers in the U.S.

Post by : Saif Nasser

Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) has announced that it is rebranding its “Uber Green” ride service as “Uber Electric.” The company also launched a $4,000 grant program, called “Go Electric,” to help U.S. drivers buy electric vehicles (EVs). This move is part of Uber’s plan to reach zero-emission rides by 2040.

The grants will be available to drivers in states including California, New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Drivers can use the $4,000 to purchase new or used electric vehicles. The program is designed to make it easier for drivers to switch from gas-powered or hybrid cars to fully electric vehicles.

Uber’s initiative comes at a time when federal support for EVs has decreased. A $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit for new EVs recently expired, making electric cars more expensive for buyers. The Uber grants can be combined with state-level incentives and other discounts, potentially reducing costs significantly for drivers.

Earlier this year, Uber shifted its U.S. Uber Green service to fully electric vehicles, moving away from a mix of hybrid and electric cars. The company said that more than 200,000 EVs are now operating on its platform worldwide. Drivers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe are adopting EVs up to five times faster than other motorists. According to Uber, one in four riders experienced their first ride in an electric vehicle through the Uber platform.

To encourage riders to try the new service, Uber is offering a 20% discount on the next electric ride. The company is also expanding its battery-aware matching feature to 25 countries. This feature helps drivers avoid “range anxiety,” which is the fear that an EV will run out of charge before reaching a charging station or completing a trip.

Uber’s rebranding and grant program highlight its commitment to sustainable transportation. By making it easier and more affordable for drivers to switch to electric vehicles, Uber aims to reduce carbon emissions and lead the ride-hailing industry toward a greener future.