Uber launches Uber Green service in Bengaluru

Uber has launched a new service called "Uber Green" in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. This service enables users to book an eco-friendly and sustainable ride through electric vehicles. Uber as a ride-hailing giant is taking a step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting a green environment in Bengaluru city.

The ride-hailing company announced the launch of a new "green" service in different parts of Bengaluru, starting from central Bengaluru and plans to expand it to other areas soon. Priyank Kharge, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Information Technology and Bio-Technology, Karnataka, inaugurated the first green vehicle at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 event held near the Palace Grounds.

Uber's green services are already present in many global locations, and customers in Bengaluru can now start opting for an eco-friendly ride through the Uber Green option on its app, which will be available from today.

"This service will enable riders to make conscious choices to choose a more sustainable mode of transportation," the company said. "

Improving the air quality in Bengaluru is our collective responsibility. This launch by Uber supports our commitment to a Green Summit. We have taken concrete steps that pave the way for impactful and meaningful changes in the long run, and promote a culture of sustainability, said Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge.

Uber India President Prabhjeet Singh said Uber has an "unwavering commitment" towards sustainability, and Uber Green is a step in the same direction. "The launch in Bengaluru is our second stop in the country for Uber Green. It is already operational in Mumbai, where many riders are using it."

Uber Green is now available in many parts of the city, including most of central Bengaluru, and will extend the service to more geographic locations in India's startup capital, Uber said.

The new offering is part of Uber's sustainability goal of becoming a zero-emission mobility platform by 2030 in Europe and North America, and globally by 2040.

Uber Green rides are popular in countries like the US and UK. And in fact Uber also has a Green Future program, which gives drivers in Canada, Europe and the U.S. access to $800 million worth of resources to help them transition to battery EVs by 2025.

Uber's new EV ride-hailing directly competes with Gurgaon-based EV startup BlueSmart, which started business in December 2019 and has added 4,500 electric cars to its fleet (4,000 in Delhi-NCR and 500 in Bengaluru) till date.

Uber's competitor Ola announced its entry into the premium EV category in January 2023 with a fleet of 10,000 electric cars.