During a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that the ride-hailing giant would start accepting cryptocurrencies "at some point."
However, the San Francisco-based company will only add such an alternative payment option when crypto becomes more efficient and environmentally friendly:
The exchange mechanism is expensive, it's not great for the environment. As the exchange mechanism becomes less expensive, becomes more environmentally friendly, I think you will see us lean into crypto a little bit more
Bitcoin's massive energy consumption has been a major hurdle to wider merchant adoption. Tesla, the top e-car maker, suspended payments in the flagship cryptocurrency last May because of persistent climate-related concerns.
With that being said, it should be noted that the share of sustainable energy in the Bitcoin mining sector has now climbed to 58.5%, according to a January survey published by the Bitcoin Mining Council (BMC).Tesla, however, continues to hold roughly $2 billion worth of Bitcoin on its balance sheet.
When it comes to corporate adoption, Khosrowshahi rejected the idea of adding cryptocurrencies to Uber's balance sheet last September:
We are going to keep our cash safe.
Arman Shirinyan
