Uber CEO Urges Patience for Electric Rides: ‘A Couple More Minutes Can Save the Planet’
In a bid to make ride-hailing more sustainable, Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, is urging customers to show a little patience when booking their next ride. “A couple of minutes isn’t going to kill anyone,” Khosrowshahi told the BBC, emphasizing that waiting just a few minutes longer for an electric taxi could be a small but vital step in combating climate change.
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Uber is rolling out new features to encourage users to opt for electric rides, including the ability to set a permanent preference for EVs. However, in many regions, electric Uber options remain limited. While nearly a third of Uber drivers in London have invested in EVs, the story is different across the UK and Europe, where electric rides account for only 20% of miles driven in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin. As a result, Khosrowshahi says customers might need to wait a bit longer for an electric vehicle compared to traditional petrol or hybrid options.
“We’re not saying, ‘Hey, wait 15 minutes,’ but if you have to wait another two, three minutes to help the environment, why not make that investment?” Khosrowshahi said, highlighting Uber’s ambition for all rides to be in zero-emissions vehicles by 2040.
Khosrowshahi also addressed the contentious issue of Chinese-made electric vehicles, calling them “high quality” and “good for the environment.” He noted that cheaper Chinese EVs could play a crucial role in Uber’s push to electrify its global fleet. However, many Western countries have pushed back against these imports, imposing tariffs to protect domestic carmakers, which Khosrowshahi believes is a mistake. “Using tariffs to make Chinese cars more expensive for European and American consumers is negative for the planet,” he said, arguing that these vehicles could help reduce costs and accelerate the transition to electric mobility.
Uber has already struck a deal with BYD, China’s second-largest EV manufacturer, as part of its global push toward electrification. However, the CEO acknowledged that the company currently makes smaller profit margins on electric rides due to the higher upfront costs of EVs. To bridge this gap, Khosrowshahi believes governments should offer more support, particularly for drivers who log high miles, like Uber drivers.
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“The Uber driver drives four to five times the miles of average drivers,” he noted, adding that targeted subsidies for corporate fleets and high-mileage drivers could make the switch to electric far more affordable and impactful.
Uber’s Expansion Beyond Rides
While Uber’s commitment to sustainability is clear, its ambitions extend far beyond cab rides. The company is expanding its services to include home delivery of everyday items like groceries, pet food, and even household products, aiming to challenge retail giants like Amazon. Khosrowshahi believes Uber’s rapid, local deliveries can ultimately outpace Amazon, offering faster service while maintaining a smaller environmental footprint.
Critics, however, argue that ride-hailing and delivery services have already contributed to an increase in unnecessary car journeys, with people swapping public transport for private cars or opting for convenience in the form of food or retail deliveries. But Khosrowshahi remains focused on the bigger picture, seeing Uber’s transition to electric as a key part of the solution.
As Uber expands its offerings, Khosrowshahi’s message is clear: A small wait for an electric vehicle today could mean a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
