That is a bullshit assertion, proven by the fact that every cost conscious Uber and Minicab driver in competitive markets has switched to HEVs, and many to PHEVs. (Of course none of them are using HEV SUVs though).
You're talking about a different market - the advertised mpg of the Prius, et al, might seem high in the US, but here in Europe / the UK, it is barely competitive with regular ICE cars.
There's also the various government incentives to run a HEV / PHEV.
FYI, here in tke UK, almost all Uber cars are older diesel saloons / estate cars, and mostly just a normal taxi with an extra "Uber" sticker. Talking of BS assertions, I doubt that many Uber drivers outside Silicon Valley (or maybe, to be generous, prosperous American cities) are using HEVs / PHEVs.
