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Prahlad Joshi Urges Uber CEO to Support EV Shift for Drivers

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has urged Uber's CEO to support drivers and fleet owners in transitioning to electric vehicles as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clean mobility push. Joshi highlighted India's renewable energy progress, noting the country has achieved 288 GW capacity and is targeting 500 GW by 2030. He emphasized that EVs charged during daytime using rooftop solar can significantly reduce operational costs. The minister also discussed consumer affairs issues with Uber, who agreed to self-audit and ensure compliance with government directions.

Key Points: Joshi Urges Uber CEO to Support Drivers' EV Transition

  • Prahlad Joshi urges Uber CEO to support drivers' EV transition
  • India targets 500 GW renewable energy by 2030
  • PM Kusum scheme expanded to promote solar pumps
  • India met 256 GW peak power demand without blackout
3 min read

Prahlad Joshi urges Uber CEO to support drivers' shift to EVs, highlights India's renewable energy progress

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi urges Uber CEO to support drivers' shift to EVs, highlights India's renewable energy progress and PM Modi's clean mobility push.

"We told them that consumer interest is paramount. They have agreed and said they will self-audit everything and come back to us. - Prahlad Joshi"

New Delhi, May 12

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi, on Tuesday said he has urged ride-hailing platform Uber to support drivers and fleet owners in transitioning to electric vehicles, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for clean mobility.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Joshi said he discussed EV adoption and consumer-related issues during his meeting with the Uber CEO.

"He had come to meet me. I have told him two things. Being one of the largest networks, I have requested him and insisted to him that he should support the people, the drivers and the owners of the Uber fleet to convert into EV vehicles," the minister said.

Joshi added that discussions were also held on consumer affairs-related issues and compliance with government directions aimed at protecting consumer interests.

"There were some issues related to consumer affairs. We told them that consumer interest is paramount. They have agreed and said they will self-audit everything and come back to us," he said.

The minister also spoke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal regarding solar pumps and renewable energy adoption.

"PM spoke about solar pumps and also about EVs. As far as solar pumps are concerned, we have already given a major push under the PM Kusum scheme," he said.

He added that the government has also announced PM Kusum 2.0 to further expand the initiative.

Highlighting the benefits of renewable-powered EV charging, Joshi said EVs charged during the daytime using rooftop solar power can significantly reduce operational costs.

"And EVs too, when charged during daytime through rooftop solar, then the cost per mile is so attractive that nobody will shift to regular vehicles," he stated.

Speaking at the CII summit, the minister said India remains in a strong position despite current global uncertainties and highlighted the country's progress in the energy sector.

"India is quite safe in the current world circumstances," he said.

Joshi noted that India has achieved 288 Gigawatt renewable energy capacity and is targeting 500 GW by 2030.

He said the country recently met a peak power demand of 256 GW without any issue, contrasting it with the July 2012 blackout when large parts of North India faced power outages after demand reached 123 GW.

The minister further stated that while global renewable energy investments have declined by 7 per cent according to reports, India continues to attract strong investment flows in the sector.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally someone is pushing global companies to align with India's green goals! 🇮🇳 288 GW renewable capacity is no joke - from 123 GW blackout in 2012 to managing 256 GW now, that's real progress. But will Uber actually support drivers or just make promises?
M
Michael C
As someone who works in the auto sector in Bangalore, I can say the shift to EVs is happening faster than most people realize. But the real challenge is charging infrastructure for commercial fleets. Good that the minister is engaging directly with Uber - need more such public-private conversations.
V
Vikram M
All this sounds great on paper, but ground reality is different. My cousin drives for Uber in Delhi - he says the company already deducts too much. If they force EV conversion without proper support, many drivers will simply leave. The minister should also look at driver income issues.
J
Jessica F
Interesting to see India pushing so hard on renewables while other countries are slowing down. The 500 GW target by 2030 is ambitious but achievable if the momentum continues. About time global companies like Uber are held accountable to local sustainability goals.
K
Kavya N
Honestly, I'm tired of these photo ops and statements. What concrete steps is the government taking to make EVs affordable for the common man? My family wanted to buy an EV but the upfront cost is still too high. Hope this meeting leads to actual driver benefits, not just news headlines.

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