Uber (UBER, Financial) is set to introduce an AI assistant powered by OpenAI technology to aid drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative is part of Uber's commitment to reducing emissions and supports its extensive push toward an all-electric fleet by 2040, backed by an $800 million investment.
At the Uber Go-Get Zero event in London, the new AI chatbot, based on OpenAI's GPT-4o, was showcased. The chatbot is expected to launch in the U.S. early next year, followed by a global rollout. It aims to provide drivers with city-specific, personalized responses and eligibility for rewards. By early 2025, Uber plans to expand the chatbot's functionality beyond EV-related inquiries.
Uber has also launched a mentorship program connecting experienced EV drivers with those interested in making the switch. In North America and Europe, approximately 180,000 Uber drivers per month are transitioning to EVs. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi noted the accelerated pace of EV adoption among Uber drivers, with London seeing nearly 30% of Uber miles driven in electric vehicles.
Additionally, Uber has announced $50,000 in grants for top merchants on its delivery platform to fund their sustainability initiatives and attract more customers. It also introduced pop-up experiences for customers to test drive EVs, such as the Lotus Eletre in London, and the Rivian R1 in Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas.
