Credit: Uber
Uber launches in-app feature allowing users to view 'estimated CO2 saved' per ride and book zero emissions journeys
Ride hailing giant Uber has today launched a new "Emission Savings" tool, allowing users to track their estimated carbon emissions via a rider-ratings style feature.
The new feature will present riders with a breakdown of the emissions they have saved by taking Uber Green - which allows users to book a zero-emissions ride for the same price as a UberX - when compared to UberX or Uber Comfort trips over the same distance.
Uber said its 131 million active users will be able to tap "Estimated CO2 saved" to see all the emissions they have saved by taking Uber Green, and will receive push notifications informing them of the emissions they were able to avoid.
The company has also added a graphic showing what rider CO2 emission savings are comparable to, and set out plans to include more products in emission savings calculations - including all-electric autonomous rides, trips with UberX Share, and rides on e-bikes and e-scooters.
"We're on a mission to make it effortless for our riders to embrace a low-emissions lifestyle," said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. "Just like we popularised rider ratings in an effort to promote respectful behavior during Uber rides, we're excited to launch the Emission Savings feature to both celebrate your impact and encourage greener choices when using Uber."
Uber Green was launched in London in 2020. The capital has since emerged as Uber's top city for EVs globally with well over 10,000 EVs contributing more than 20 per cent of Uber mileage.
Previous research found 85 per cent of riders are concerned about the health impacts of air pollution in London, with more than three quarters calling for more to be done to tackle the problem.
Charlie Holding, who has driven an EV on Uber since 2019, said choosing to drive an EV is not just a practical decision - it is a commitment to help tackle air pollution for future generations.
"Small choices add up, and anything that helps people realise the real-world impact they can have by choosing electric vehicles is so important," he said
The announcement builds upon a series of green updates to Uber's ride-hailing services last year as it works towards creating a zero-emissions mobility platform in London by 2025, and globally by 2040.
Fresh services added to its app included the ability for passengers to select eco-friendly routes and track the emissions they have saved when choosing zero-carbon ride options.
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