Recent Changes to Uber's Vehicle Eligibility Requirements: What Drivers Need to Know

Uber has announced significant changes to its vehicle eligibility requirements across its popular ride categories, including Uber Green, Premier, and Comfort. These updates are part of Uber's broader strategy to move toward zero-emission rides and deliver a more consistent experience to riders. Let’s break down what these changes mean, how they will impact you, and why now is the perfect time to consider upgrading to an electric vehicle (EV).

Why Is Uber Making These Changes?

Uber's recent updates to Uber Green are driven by its global commitment to eliminating vehicle emissions across its platform by 2040. The Uber Comfort and Uber Premier changes follow detailed reviews by Uber, including rider focus groups, analysis of ratings and cancellations, and a close look at vehicle attributes, with Uber refining its approach to ensure its ride categories meet evolving customer expectations.

Changes to Uber Green Eligibility

Starting April 9, 2025, Uber Green will transition to a fully electric product, meaning hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, will no longer be eligible for Uber Green trips. Here are the important points you need to know:

• Transition Period: If you've completed a trip using a hybrid vehicle on your account on or before November 9, 2024, you’ll be able to continue using that vehicle for Uber Green trips until April 9, 2025. However, if your first trip with a hybrid vehicle occurs after November 9, 2024, it will not be eligible for Uber Green rides.

• Exclusive Access for EVs: From April 2025, Uber Green will be available exclusively to drivers with electric vehicles, unlocking a significant earning opportunity in a category that now accounts for nearly 50% of all rides.

Changes to Premier, Comfort, and Comfort Electric

Uber is also making updates to the eligibility criteria for its Premier, Comfort, and Comfort Electric categories. This includes removing certain vehicle models based on customer feedback and performance data. For impacted vehicles, the changes will roll out as follows:

Here’s a list of vehicle models being removed from Uber Comfort as part of this change:

Here’s a list of vehicle models being removed from Uber Premier as part of this change:

Extended Eligibility:

If you’ve completed a trip using an affected vehicle on or before November 9, 2024, that vehicle will remain eligible for Comfort and/or Premier trips for another eleven months until October 9, 2025.

New Requirements for All Drivers:

From November 9, 2024, all drivers must meet updated eligibility standards for Comfort, Comfort Electric, and Premier categories:

• Minimum rating: 4.85+

• Lifetime trips: 20 or more

• Vehicle age: Must be 7 years or newer

What does this mean for drivers?

Depending on your current vehicle this can mean different things for different drivers. For example, if you’re currently driving an EV that is currently eligible for Premier, like a Polestar 2 or Tesla Model Y, you will remain eligible for Premier until October 9, 2025. Additionally, from April 2025, you should see an increase in Uber Green trip opportunities as hybrid vehicles become ineligible for this category. Because Uber Green is so popular, with less vehicles eligible, drivers of EVs are likely to see their number of trips increase.

Other drivers who are losing access to one or more of the categories may look to upgrade their vehicle into one that is still eligible for additional categories.

The Best Time to Go Electric Is Now

These changes present a unique opportunity for drivers to transition to electric vehicles. EV drivers will gain exclusive access to Uber Green, which is rapidly becoming one of the most popular categories on the platform. Moreover, the demand for zero-emission rides continues to grow, offering potential for increased earnings and long-term sustainability benefits.

How Splend Can Help You Transition to EVs

At Splend, we’re here to support you through these changes with our all-inclusive Flexi Own plans. Our flexible ownership options make it easier than ever to upgrade to an electric vehicle, allowing you to meet Uber’s new eligibility requirements and take full advantage of the most in-demand ride categories. We have a range of new and pre-owned EVs perfect for rideshare driving, and as the EV experts we are here to help drivers transition to EVs with ongoing education and help to make switching easy and cost effective!

Looking Ahead

Uber's updates to vehicle eligibility requirements are designed to push the platform closer to its zero-emission goals while enhancing the experience for both riders and drivers. For those already driving or considering switching to an electric vehicle, these changes create more earning opportunities and a competitive advantage.

If you’re ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle and secure your place in Uber's premium categories, reach out to Splend today. We’ll help you stay ahead of the curve, maximise your earning potential, and be part of the sustainable future of ridesharing.

About Splend

Splend is a dedicated team of rideshare vehicle experts, changing the way rideshare drivers own their vehicles for good. Our flexible and all-inclusive ownership packages offer everything on-demand drivers need to own and operate their car, from registration and rideshare insurance through to ongoing service, maintenance and support, making car ownership simpler and more cost effective than buying and owning the traditional way. Want to learn more? Make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.