Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) is making a significant move towards sustainable transportation with the launch of an AI-powered assistant designed to help its drivers transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative, unveiled during Uber’s Go-Get Zero event in London, is a key part of the company’s broader plan to reduce emissions.
The AI assistant, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, will be rolled out in the U.S. early next year, followed by a global launch. It will provide drivers with personalized advice based on their location and access to available incentives. By 2025, the chatbot’s capabilities will expand beyond EV guidance, offering support for a wider range of questions, as reported by Reuters.
Uber has already committed $800 million to support its drivers in adopting EVs by 2040. Currently, around 180,000 drivers in North America and Europe are switching to EVs each month. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted that Uber drivers are embracing EVs at a rate five times faster than the average motorist in these regions.
In addition to the AI assistant, Uber is introducing a mentorship program for EV drivers and offering $50,000 to top merchants on its food delivery platform for sustainability efforts. To provide hands-on experience with EVs, Uber is organizing pop-up events featuring vehicles like the Lotus Eletre in London and the Rivian R1 in select U.S. cities.
Uber’s move to integrate AI into its operations reflects a broader industry trend. Earlier this year, Grab Holdings, a competitor in Asia, partnered with OpenAI to leverage AI for app navigation and customer support. This trend underlines the growing importance of AI in improving service delivery and customer experience.
This latest initiative reinforces Uber’s commitment to a greener future, leveraging AI technology to guide its drivers towards sustainable transportation options. The company’s focus on EV adoption is a positive step towards reducing emissions and promoting a cleaner transportation ecosystem.
