With the unprecedented rash of severe weather events in 2021, the consequences of an increasingly warming and volatile climate have become top of mind for many Canadians. Across the country, companies, industries and governments have responded to this impending climate crisis in recent years by setting ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions.

A year out from announcing its global sustainability commitments, Uber Canada has taken significant strides towards the goal of becoming a zero-emission platform by 2040. In part, Uber hopes to achieve this goal by helping drivers on the platform go electric. 

That’s why this February, the mobility platform announced a partnership with Plug’n Drive, a nonprofit committed to accelerating EV adoption. 

In a recent survey of Uber drivers in Canada, Uber found that 71% are interested in switching to an EV. This finding is significant given that these drivers drive more than the average person, meaning everyone that switches to an EV has an outsized impact on putting green kilometres on our streets. 

At the same time, Uber acknowledges that it can be challenging for drivers to make a big decision like transitioning to EV. As a part of its new partnership with Plug’n Drive, the nonprofit will create and offer webinars and host test drive opportunities for Uber drivers. This programming will give drivers a chance to understand the cost of owning an EV and the benefits of making the switch from gas to EV. 

According to Uber Canada, drivers who switch stand to save as much as $2,000 per year on maintenance and fuel costs and reduce their GHG vehicle emissions by as much as 90%.

This partnership comes after a year of ongoing work to advance Uber’s sustainability commitments in Canada. Last fall, Uber Canada also announced Uber+Transit as a pilot in the Greater Toronto Area. By looking at transit schedules and UberX availability, the service suggests a combined route that’s both convenient and more affordable.    

This initiative by Plug’n Drive is partially funded by Natural Resources Canada to increase awareness, knowledge, and confidence in EVs for ridesharing and delivery.