Uber Introduces ‘CO2 Emission Savings’ Tracker for Passengers

The Uber logo in London on March 17, 2021. (Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

Uber is introducing a new feature to rate passengers on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they have avoided during car rides.

The Rider Emissions Savings tracker will allow customers to see an estimated volume of CO2 emissions they have managed to avoid by choosing an Uber Green or Comfort Electric ride.

Uber explains that it roughly calculates emissions savings by comparing the type of ride a customer has requested and the distance travelled, against what the emissions would be with a regular vehicle.

The new feature is designed to push drivers to use electric or hybrid vehicles for trips.

“Just like we popularised rider ratings in an effort to promote respectful behaviour on the platform, we’re excited to introduce Rider Emission Savings so riders can better understand their estimated carbon emissions impact,” Uber said in a statement.

Uber said Australians have hailed 1.86 million electric vehicle (EV) trips in the first quarter of 2024 alone, and more than 4 percent of travel on the Uber platform were via EVs.

In addition, 4,000 Uber driver partners have an EV, making up more than 20,000 zero emissions trips a day, the company said.

Uber Head of Sustainability Strategy Anna Brito said Australians enjoyed a bit of friendly rivalry and the company wanted to help riders embrace lower emissions vehicles.

“We want to make it effortless for our riders to embrace a lower-emissions lifestyle, and we hope this new feature encourages Aussies to reconsider their habits when it comes to greener ways of travelling,” she said.

“We know Aussies love nothing more than a friendly rivalry, and with competition in the air this week we are calling on our riders, including blues and maroons fans, to back a different colour: green.”

Scheme to be Expanded to Other Modes of Transport

Looking ahead, Uber also plans to expand the scheme to e-bikes and scooters.

“In the future, we plan to include even more products in your emission savings calculation including all-electric rides, and rides on e-bikes and e-scooters booked in the Uber app,” the tech giant said.

The company also said it planned to have zero tailpipe emissions by 2040.

“At Uber, we are working to build a future of transportation that is electric, shared, and at times car-free, because greener choices mean a greener future,” the company said.

“We’re committed to eliminating tailpipe emissions from the Uber platform by 2040, and today is an important step in our journey to help inform riders about the impact of their choices and encourage the use of more sustainable forms of transport.”

Australian Government Pushing Net Zero

Uber’s move comes as the Australian Parliament considers the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 on June 4.

The bill (pdf) establishes the Net Zero Authority to oversee the transition to a net zero economy, according to an explanatory memorandum (pdf) on the bill.

Earlier, the Parliament recently passed the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards to reduce CO2 emissions and push more zero emissions vehicles into the market.

The federal opposition warned the new standard would simply be a “tax” on family cars and utes, adding thousands of dollars to the cost of buying SUVs.

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act (pdf) regulates the carbon dioxide emissions of certain road vehicles, by setting emissions targets for certain models.

“A person to whom the standard applies in a particular year must ensure that their final emissions value for the year is zero or less. Failure to achieve this may result in a civil penalty,” the law states.

Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie was critical.

“A policy that increases the cost of families buying a new car in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is something the Coalition cannot support, Ms. McKenzie said.

“Nor can we support a policy that will result in families holding onto their existing cars for longer, slowing down the renewal of the fleet with cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles and the process of reducing transport emissions.”

However, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen described it as not just a win for the environment, but also motorists around the country.

“The impact of this shift will benefit Australians for decade,” he said.