Uber Technologies is set to launch a new AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s technology to aid drivers in their transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Uber Technologies announced the initiative during Uber’s Go-Get Zero event held in London on Tuesday.
The ride-hailing giant has advocated for a shift towards EVs, pledging $800 million to help its driver partners fully transition by 2040.
The AI assistant, based on OpenAI’s GPT-4o, will be available in early 2025 in the United States, with plans to expand to additional locations later on. It aims to provide personalized responses based on the driver’s city and available incentives.
Currently, approximately 180,000 Uber drivers in North America and Europe are making the switch to EVs, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi noting that Uber drivers are adopting electric vehicles five times faster than the average motorist in these regions. In London, nearly 30% of all miles driven on Uber are now electric.
In addition to the AI assistant, Uber is launching a mentorship program that pairs experienced EV drivers with those seeking to transition to electric vehicles. The company is also offering $50,000 awards to top merchants on its food delivery platform to support their sustainability initiatives and expand their customer base.
