Uber Green is a new initiative towards increasing sustainability and reducing air pollution. Ride-sharing platforms like Uber have millions of rides every day, which naturally has a huge impact on the environment. According to one study, more than 70% of pollution is attributed to ride-sharing apps when compared to other means of transportation. To counter this, Uber announced its Clean Air Plan in 2019.

In 2020, Uber broke down their sustainability goals into four separate plans in order to transform the entire company into an eco-friendly one. Uber also wants to encourage people to use electric and hybrid vehicles.

Read on to find out more details about Uber Green and why everyone should switch to it.

What Is Uber Green?

Uber Green is a relatively new addition to the Uber app where you can book an electric or a hybrid vehicle for your ride. Uber Green primarily focuses on decreasing the carbon footprint, especially in metropolitan cities like London.

Booking a ride from Uber Green will get you a vehicle that produces 20% to 80% less carbon dioxide when compared to a gas-based vehicle. Uber Green has the same pricing as UberX.

Places Where Uber Green Rides Are Available

Although you can use the Uber app in more than 80 countries all over the world, Uber Green hasn’t been launched in all those countries. Uber Green is available in more than 1400 cities around the world, some of which are listed below.

• Miami
• London
• Paris
• Austin
• Houston
• New York City
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles

Every month, more cities are added to this list as Uber expands its plans for sustainability.

How Uber Green Works

Rider

If you want to use Uber Green as a rider, you can use it to get an electric or a hybrid vehicle. Following are the steps to book an Uber Green ride.

• Access your Uber account from the app on your phone.
• Select your destination in the “Where to?” option.
• At the bottom of the screen, select the Uber Green option.
• Select the pickup location of your ride.
• Confirm the ride by selecting “Request.”

It is important to note that if you are planning to go for a long-distance ride, Uber Green might not be the best choice for you. Also, you need to be careful if you want an electric vehicle or a hybrid one.

Since the pricing is the same as UberX, you may also see the same price variations in peak hours, for example. Uber Green also has the same cancellation policy as that of UberX.

You can plan your Uber Green rides ahead if you want. This is useful in making sure you don’t face any last-minute cancellation issues.

Drivers

Uber drivers can only avail of the Uber Green rides if their vehicle is either a hybrid car with low emission if it is an electric car. Your vehicle must also meet the same requirements as UberX.

Types of Cars Available for Uber Green

Broadly speaking, any vehicle that is hybrid or electric and has a very low emission rate can be registered for Uber Green rides. Following are some of the Uber Green cars that are available.

• Tesla models
• Toyota Prius
• Hyundai IONIQ electric
• Rav4 Hybrid
• Honda Accord Hybrid
• Chevrolet Bolts

Why You Should Switch to Uber Green

There are several benefits of switching to Uber Green for drivers. In London, for instance, Uber has several plans to facilitate the drivers and get them to use more electric or hybrid vehicles. The UK government is putting all its energies into reducing the carbon footprint. There are several Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) or Congestion Charging Zones (CCZ) where you are charged for entry. Electric vehicles are exempt from this charge. As an Uber driver, this will help you in reducing expenses.

Moreover, from March 14, 2022, Uber drivers get a 15% bonus on their trip payments on Uber Green rides in comparison with UberX. There will be no difference in pricing for the riders, making Uber Green a more attractive option.

The UK government is increasingly promoting the usage of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have a lower cost of charging. The fuel-based vehicles, on the other hand, are significantly more expensive. Uber also has several partnership deals with electric vehicle charging companies for home chargers as well as public ones.

Overall, electric vehicles provide a better ride experience. There have been multiple reports of riders sharing their positive feedback on using electric vehicles. Electric or hybrid vehicles are noticeably more comfortable and easier to maintain. On the other hand, Uber Green riders also prefer booking Uber Green rides as they are a lot more smoother and quieter.

The overall purpose of launching Uber Green was to decrease air pollution in crowded cities. In these times, sustainability and green alternatives are becoming more and more important. Metropolitan cities like London need all the measures they can take to improve the air quality. For promoting sustainability, Uber Green is a great option for everyone, especially the riders.

Uber Green vs. UberX

Uber Green has a lot of similar features to UberX. However, the differences arise in the earnings. Uber Green rides are $1 more costly than a typical UberX ride. From that $1, half of it goes to the Uber Green driver. The other half goes towards contributing to the Green Future program which aims to facilitate drivers switching to electric vehicles by 2025.

Conclusion

It is an unfortunate fact that the transport industry has played a huge role in making climate change a looming disaster for us. Uber Green is certainly contributing a lot in making the planet more sustainable. Although there is still a long way to go, the fact that it is offering so many benefits to drivers is commendable.

An increasing number of people and organizations the world over are now actively trying to become more eco-friendly by finding and adhering to sustainable alternatives. Uber Green is highly recommended for both riders and drivers.