Uber is accelerating its efforts to bring more electric vehicles (EVs) to its ride-hailing and delivery platforms. To help drivers navigate the transition to EVs, the company plans to launch a new AI-powered assistant. Starting in early 2025, Uber will roll out this tool across the U.S., leveraging OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4o model to address a wide range of driver questions about electric vehicles.
At launch, the AI assistant will focus on answering questions specific to electric vehicles. Drivers will be able to ask about topics like charging locations, maintenance, and the best EV models to consider. However, according to Uber, this initial focus could expand to other driver-related use cases in the future.
This innovative integration with OpenAI’s flagship GPT-4o model was unveiled at Uber’s Go-Get event in London, where the company showcased a range of new climate-focused initiatives. GPT-4o is designed to provide human-like conversational abilities across multiple forms of communication — text, audio, and even visual inputs — making it a powerful tool for this kind of driver support.
Personalized, Real-Time EV Guidance for Uber Drivers
Uber drivers will have easy access to the AI assistant directly from the home screen of the Uber driver app. The chatbot will provide real-time, personalized answers to a variety of EV-related queries. Not only will it respond to general questions, but it will also tailor its advice based on the driver’s specific needs, their location, and even available government incentives in their city.
As the assistant evolves, Uber says it will continuously update its knowledge base to ensure that drivers receive the most current and accurate information available. Future iterations of the chatbot will allow drivers to ask questions using voice commands, with the AI able to audibly respond, further simplifying the process for drivers on the go.
While Uber has not yet specified which languages the AI assistant will support, the company says it will announce more details on this front closer to the launch date. OpenAI’s GPT-4o model is capable of supporting over 50 languages, suggesting broad multilingual support could be on the horizon.
Mentorship Program to Encourage EV Adoption
In addition to the AI assistant, Uber will introduce an “EV mentorship program.” This initiative will reward highly rated drivers who already own and operate electric vehicles, giving them an opportunity to mentor other drivers considering the switch. Mentors can earn cash incentives and other perks while providing valuable firsthand insights into EV ownership, covering topics like charging infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and cost savings.
Uber’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Uber’s AI assistant is just one part of a larger strategy to promote environmental sustainability. The company used the Go-Get event to highlight several new features and updates aimed at making it easier for both riders and drivers to choose EVs.
For instance, Uber’s popular Uber Green option, which allows riders to request a hybrid or fully electric vehicle in over 180 markets, will now introduce an EV-only option in 40 cities, with more planned in the near future. Some of the first cities to offer this feature include New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Paris, and Auckland. Additionally, riders will soon be able to set their preference within the Uber app to always be matched with an EV, provided one is available nearby.
These developments reflect Uber’s commitment to reducing emissions and supporting the transition to cleaner energy within its network. By combining cutting-edge AI with practical driver incentives, Uber aims to not only help drivers navigate the complexities of electric vehicles but also to accelerate the adoption of EVs on a global scale.
As the 2025 launch of Uber’s AI assistant approaches, both drivers and riders can expect even more features and updates that align with the company’s vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
