Uber Adds Option for Electric-Only Rides and Launches AI Chatbot for EV Drivers
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced new sustainability initiatives in London, including an “Electric Car for Uber” feature that will help ride hailing giant achieve a zero-emissions platform by 2040.
The feature is an extension of Uber’s earlier “Uber Green” service, which featured both battery-electric and hybrid vehicles. Executives said Uber riders can now opt solely for battery-electric vehicles in over 40 cities worldwide at the company’s Go Get Zero sustainability conference in London.
A Zero-Emissions Future
Speaking at the event, Khosrowshahi said EVs are integral to Uber’s bigger ambition to become a “zero-emissions platform” by 2040. The CEO declared that the question of EVs remains political, and in 2024, those tones will rise as the leading country in the world heads into elections.
Khosrowshahi added that the trend of completely electric transportation is a no-brainer. Uber, with electric car services, has also gained traction, offering a promising path to reducing emissions.
“The reality is that we will only hit net-zero emission goals if policymakers and other businesses do their part too,” Khosrowshahi said. “We need more affordable EVs, stronger EV mandates, and more incentives for people who drive the most. Chargers need to be in every community—not just the wealthiest.” As part of its efforts, Uber signs electric car deal for drivers in collaboration with leading manufacturers to increase the adoption of EVs.
It also launched the “EV Mentor” program, which will advise electric car for Uber drivers on how to switch to electric vehicles. Besides this, the company also rolled out an AI chatbot powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT to respond to drivers’ questions about transitioning to EVs.
Increasing Sustainability Efforts for Uber EV
Since transportation currently makes up 25% of global carbon emissions, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation, Uber has been working on reducing its environmental impact, as well as expanding green initiatives on the food delivery side, which complements efforts of using electric cars for Uber to further environmental goals.
The ride hailing giant will soon begin offering electric car for Uber and farmers’ market produce via Uber Eats in New York City, and Los Angeles, in addition to supporting locally sourced sustainable food.
In Paris, Uber is investing almost $1 million to help restaurants make the switch to eco-friendly packaging, including seaweed-based materials and biodegradable straws.
In the UK, it partnered with Octopus Energy and Chinese EV maker, BYD, to offer 1,000 free home chargers for its drivers. It also extended Uber drivers access to Octopus’ discounted charging rate and 8% off at public charging stations, boosting Uber incentive for electric cars and cutting costs for drivers using these vehicles.
“This is the first partnership between Uber, a power company, and an EV manufacturer, and it will meaningfully reduce charging costs for drivers,” said Rebecca Tinucci, Uber’s global head of sustainability. The EV for Uber drivers and its integration into local economies are seen as steps towards significant carbon reduction efforts.
With these new initiatives, electric cars for Uber also hopes it will be able to cut its carbon footprint and at the same time help its drivers and restaurants make sustainable choices. Uber with electric car is central to this vision, further pushing the company’s broader sustainability agenda.
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