Photo: WBZ NewsRadio\ Carl Stevens
SAUGUS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Should Uber go electric? That was the goal behind the first-of-its-kind driver event in Saugus on Wednesday.
Uber hosted its first event in Massachusetts to encourage Uber drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles as a part of the company's goal to get to zero emissions by 2030.
Alex Anfang, with Uber, told WBZ's Carl Stevens that Massachusetts is the perfect place to kick off the event as Governor Maura Healey has made transitioning to electric vehicles a priority in the Bay State. The event gave drivers information on how to switch to electric vehicles.
"We have invited drivers from the area to come, speak to people in person, see the cars, see EVs in person, test drive them, get information on charging, get information on subsidies, incentives that are available to them," Anfang said.
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Drivers were able to test drive electric vehicles including Chevy Bolt, Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Polestar.
The Zero Emissions incentive lets drivers of fully electric vehicles earn an additional $1 on every Uber ride, which is up to $4,000 a year, and receive charging discounts. Uber's Green Future program is providing $800 million to help drivers make the switch.
The state of Massachusetts also offers a $3,500 rebate to people who purchase electric vehicles. Federal incentives to make the switch include a $7,500 tax credit for new EVs and $4,000 for used ones.
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