Isabella James Tech 03.11.2022 22:Mar PM EST

Uber to Add a Temporary Fuel Surcharge Even if Your Ride an EV

Uber has announced that it will be adding a temporary fuel surcharge. This surcharge, which will be implemented beginning Mar. 16, will also apply to Uber Eats.

This means that rideshare riders will have to pay $0.50 every ride. An additional consumer fee of $0.35 will also be added to Uber Eats. Those who use electric vehicles will also receive the temporary surcharge.

The surcharge is the company's effort to help drivers as fuel prices continue to soar. Uber has emphasized that the money will go straight to drivers and delivery couriers.

Uber Announces Temporary Fuel Surcharge

Uber is adding a temporary fuel surcharge in response to the soaring fuel prices that have been affecting drivers all over the country.

According to the announcement made by Uber, "Rideshare riders will pay a $0.50 surcharge on every ride and, on Uber Eats where trips are shorter, consumer fees will be adjusted to cover the equivalent of a $0.35 surcharge on every delivery."

This is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Mar. 16. Uber says that 100% of the money that will go to directly to rideshare and delivery drivers.

Uber assures everyone that the temporary surcharge will listed in earning statements. Rideshare drivers will see the surcharge listed as Temporary Fuel Surcharge. On the other hand, drivers on Uber Eats will see the surcharge listed as Temporary UberEats Fuel Surcharge.

How Long Will It Last?

According to a report by The Verge, the current plan is for the temporary surcharge to be in place for 60 days. However, the report has noted that Uber is monitoring gas prices and may make changes based on them.

"It's important to say this surcharge is temporary and designed to try and keep earnings consistent during this difficult moment," the announcement reads.

Will EVs be Affected?

Given that in the additional surcharge is for fuel, does that mean that drivers who drive electric vehicles (EVs) are affected? The answer to that is yes.

Per Uber's announcement, drivers and couriers who use EVs will likewise receive the temporary surcharge.

Zero-Emission Platform by 2040

Uber's announcement also discusses the company's commitment to be a zero-emission platform by 2030. For Canada, Uber is planning for this to by 2030.

In fact, the announcement highlights the moves Uber has done to make this goal more and more possible. An example of which is the so-called Green Future Program.

What it does is provide incentives for drivers who opt to drive EVs instead. Specifically, the incentives come in the form of $1 per trip or even up to $4,000 every year.

Uber also highlighted its partnership with Greenlots. The partnership aims to create new charging stations in Vancouver so that they can be more accessible to rideshare and delivery drivers of the company.