Uber intends to become fully electric by 2040

Uber has announced it plans to operate 100 percent rides via electric vehicles by 2030 in the US, Canada, and Europe. For other markets, the goal is slightly extended to 2040. The shift will make the cab-hailing app entirely free of any carbon emissions.

The pledge comes in light of a recent report that criticized the company for its role in contributing pollution. Uber’s rival, Lyft also announced a similar plan to have an all-electric fleet by 2030, but it did not outline support for drivers.

Uber said its goal is to reduce the overall cost of ownership for electric vehicles to encourage drivers. It’s currently steeper than a conventional gasoline car.

The company will offer an extra US$ 1.50 per trip to drivers who pivot to electric vehicles. A US$ 0.5 tip will be given to hybrid drivers and the company is in talks with automakers for discounts and other incentives.

“Climate changes remains an existential threat and crisis that needs every person, every business and every nation to act,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. “We know this is going to be hard.”

Uber’s ride-sharing program was a hit in Asian markets like India where transportation infrastructure is nascent.