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Sheffield Today
By the People, for the People
Uber Drivers Struggle to Make Ends Meet as Costs Rise
Uber says it wants to transition to EVs, but drivers say real earnings have declined.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Uber has failed to meet its goal of converting all London vehicles to electric by 2025, citing a lack of charging infrastructure. The ride-hailing company has offered £5,000 grants to London drivers to buy EVs, but drivers say their real earnings have been steadily declining due to rising costs of living and "really low" fares compared to what they used to earn. A study by Oxford University suggests Uber's dynamic pricing algorithm has left average pay per hour "stagnant", though Uber disputes the findings.
Why it matters
Uber's struggles to transition to EVs and the declining earnings of its drivers highlight the challenges gig economy companies face in balancing profitability, driver compensation, and environmental goals. As the cost of living rises, the ability of Uber drivers to make a living wage is an important issue for both the company and its workforce.
The details
Uber had set a goal of converting all its cars in London to electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2025, but missed this ambitious target. The company blamed a lack of charging infrastructure and is now "helping to unlock more charging infrastructure in the UK" and wants to make "charging easier and bringing down costs for drivers". Uber had offered £5,000 grants to London drivers between 2024 and 2025, and is still offering other discounts for drivers across the country. However, Uber drivers told the BBC last year that it had become "impossible" to make ends meet due to a rise in the cost of living and "really low" fares compared to what they used to earn.
- Uber had set a goal of converting all its cars in London to electric vehicles (EVs) by the end of 2025.
- Uber offered £5,000 grants to London drivers between 2024 and 2025.
- Uber drivers told the BBC last year that it had become "impossible" to make ends meet.
The players
Uber
A ride-hailing app company that is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles.
Andrew Brem
Uber's UK general manager who said the company is "helping to unlock more charging infrastructure in the UK" and wants to make "charging easier and bringing down costs for drivers".
Oxford University
A university that conducted a study suggesting Uber's dynamic pricing algorithm has left average pay per hour "stagnant".
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
