Uber Technologies has announced plans to roll out an AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s technology to aid drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its commitment to reducing emissions. The ride-hailing company has been advocating for the adoption of EVs for several years and has pledged $800 million to support its driver partners in making the switch to electric by 2040.
The AI assistant, which utilizes OpenAI’s GPT-4o, was unveiled at Uber’s Go-Get Zero event in London on Tuesday. Set to launch early next year in the United States, the chatbot will later expand to additional locations. It is designed to provide personalized responses tailored to individual drivers based on their city and the incentives available to them. Uber plans to broaden the chatbot’s capabilities in early 2025 to address queries beyond EV-related topics.
Currently, about 180,000 Uber drivers in North America and Europe are making the switch to EVs. “Uber drivers are adopting EVs five times faster than the average motorist in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In London, nearly 30% of all miles driven on Uber are now electric,” stated CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
In addition to the AI assistant, Uber is launching a mentorship program that connects experienced EV drivers with those considering the transition to electric vehicles. The company is also offering $50,000 grants to top merchants on its food delivery platform to help fund their sustainability initiatives and reach a broader customer base.
Furthermore, Uber is organizing a series of pop-up events allowing customers to experience EVs firsthand. Users in London will have the opportunity to test drive the Lotus Eletre, while riders in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas can reserve a ride in a Rivian R1.