Daily US Times: Ride-sharing giant Uber has said by 2040, all taxis available through its app will be electric – and by 2030 in US, Canadian and European cities.

The company said the move was part of its “responsibility” to tackle the challenge of climate change.

It said that it would spend $800m (£614m) to help drivers switch to electric cars, creating partnerships with manufacturers to ensure discounts.

Users will also be able to request a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Uber said that option is available in 15 US and Canadian cities for an extra $1. It said that by the end of the year, it would launch in more than 65 cities globally.

Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a blog post on Tuesday: “It’s our responsibility as the largest mobility platform in the world to more aggressively tackle the challenge of climate change.”

“While we’re not the first to set ambitious goals in transitioning to [electric vehicles], we intend to be the first to make it happen,” he added.

Uber and smaller rival Lyft have faced ongoing criticism for their role contributing to traffic and air pollution, with research showing many of their rides replace less polluting alternatives, like biking, walking or taking public transport.

In June, Lyft pledged to have an all electric fleet by 2030, but it did not outline support for drivers. Many of them operate their own cars.

On Tuesday, Uber said that battery electric vehicles accounted for roughly 0.15% of the miles logged on its platform in Canada and in the US between 2017 and 2019. Including hybrids, the mileage logged in green vehicles is about five times the average in the US.

In London, where the company has clashed with regulators, Uber had already pledged that all the firm’s rides would happen in electric cars by 2025.

You may read: Kim Kardashian announces end of their hit reality show