Uber Drivers Urged to Adopt EVs: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Makes Strategic Appeal

The Government of India is intensifying its strategic focus on accelerating the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the nation to fundamentally transform the transportation landscape. In a significant development, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has made a formal and high-level appeal to the global ride-hailing giant, Uber. The Minister has urged the company to proactively assist its vast network of drivers and fleet owners in transitioning from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, while this initiative is a core component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Clean and Green Mobility Mission, which aims to drastically reduce the country's carbon footprint and promote sustainable transport solutions for a greener future.

Alignment with Clean Mobility Mission

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized that the shift towards electric mobility isn't just an environmental necessity but also an economically viable option for the drivers in the long run. He specifically highlighted that utilizing rooftop solar energy for EV charging could Notably lower operational costs, making it a cheaper and more beneficial alternative for individual drivers and fleet operators. The government’s strategy involves a gradual but steady transition of the transport sector towards green energy, ensuring long-term energy security and environmental preservation as envisioned under the national mission. The Minister noted that the adoption of EVs is the need of the hour and requires active participation from major corporate entities.

High-Level Meeting with Uber CEO

During the prestigious CII Annual Business Summit 2026 held in New Delhi, Pralhad Joshi held a dedicated meeting with the CEO of Uber. The discussions centered around the large-scale adoption of EVs and various critical consumer-centric issues. The Minister pointed out that since Uber operates one of the world's most extensive and influential transportation networks, it holds a unique position to drive change in the industry. He stressed that the company must provide the necessary support, infrastructure, and incentives to encourage its drivers and fleet partners to make the switch to electric mobility, thereby contributing Importantly to the national green goals and sustainable development.

Prioritizing Consumer Interests and Compliance

Beyond the technological transition to electric vehicles, the meeting also addressed critical concerns regarding consumer welfare and service standards. Minister Joshi stated unequivocally that the interests of the customers remain the government's top priority. He directed Uber to strictly comply with all government guidelines and regulatory frameworks currently in place. Plus, the Minister advised the company to conduct a comprehensive self-audit of its internal processes to ensure they meet the required standards of transparency and efficiency. The government believes that solid regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining public trust in digital service platforms.

Commitment to Self-Audit and Reporting

Providing further details on the outcomes of the high-level meeting, Pralhad Joshi mentioned that Uber has formally committed to performing a self-audit of its operations and subsequently submitting a detailed report to the government. The Minister remarked, "I've clearly communicated to them that Uber must support its drivers and vehicle owners in transitioning to EVs. This will promote clean transport. Plus, consumer interests are paramount for us. " This collaborative approach between the government and the private sector is expected to pave the way for a cleaner transport ecosystem and enhanced service delivery for the general public.