For years, Uber has been making moves towards the goal of zero emissions for the drivers and vehicles used for their platform. On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Uber live-streamed a presentation on their GO-GET Zero announcements for consumers and drivers alike. These initiatives and changes are geared toward making electrification more accessible and attainable.
I was on the ground in London for the event, and here are a few of the quick takeaways from the announcement for drivers.
In-App AI Assistant
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain momentum, drivers face many challenges and hurdles when considering the switch from gas-powered vehicles.
To help address these concerns, Uber is launching an AI Assistant within the driver app, powered by OpenAI’s advanced GPT-4o technology. This innovative tool promises to be a game-changer for drivers who are interested in making the transition from gas to electric vehicles.
The AI Assistant will be accessible directly from the Uber driver app’s home screen, and it is designed to provide comprehensive and continuously updated information tailored to each driver’s needs.
Whether a driver is pondering which EV model to buy, looking for vehicle range details, or seeking nearby charging locations, the assistant will deliver personalized answers specific to their market and available incentives.
So, when will this new tool be available to drivers? The rollout is set for early next year in the U.S., with plans for expansion into other markets.
I was initially skeptical of this feature, but after seeing Uber’s VP of Product, Sachin Kansal, demo this live in London, I came away impressed.
The AI took just 1 to 2 seconds to think about the question that was asked and then returned rich and detailed answers. This could be helpful for those wanting to dig into the numbers and find the best deals when it comes to switching to an EV.
EV Mentorship Program
While technology is helpful, it’s not quite the same as having a real human who knows what’s going on to help you out. Uber will be launching an EV mentorship program that pairs inexperienced EV drivers with seasoned EV driver enthusiasts.
This will allow for direct, meaningful exchanges where experienced drivers can share their insights and answer questions, easing the transition for those curious about electric vehicles but who don’t know where to start or just want a reference they can rely on.
To encourage drivers to participate in the program, highly rated drivers with EV experience can become mentors with eligibility for select cash rewards and incentives. This blend of technology and personal connection highlights Uber’s dedication to supporting its drivers through their journey into EVs.
I think this product pairs well with the AI Assistant, but it appears to be ‘chat only’ for now. I think it would be more compelling if there was an option to make a phone call or maybe even meet in person for a coffee. It’s always nice to talk shop with your fellow drivers.
Progress by the Numbers
Uber stands out in the ridesharing industry for its commitment to sustainability, investing $800 million to assist hundreds of drivers in going electric by 2040. The initiative is already showing results, with 180,000 monthly Uber drivers in North America and Europe making the switch to EVs.
Uber drivers are adopting electric vehicles at a rate five times faster than the average motorist in the U.S., Canada and Europe. In the U.S., where only 1.5% of registered vehicles are all-electric, over 8% of trip miles on Uber are now driven by battery-powered EVs.
California leads the charge with more than 15% of Uber trip miles in EVs, while London boasts nearly 30% of trip miles in EVs.
Riders are giving positive feedback on this change, too. A recent poll revealed that one in four riders experienced their first-ever EV ride on Uber, indicating acceptance and enthusiasm for EVs among the public.
In my opinion, a big reason for the high electrification numbers in California is because of the Hertz-Tesla partnership. The Model 3 is a great rideshare vehicle, and the access to charging via the supercharging network solves the biggest pain point for most drivers looking to make the switch to EVs.
While on the ground in London this week, I’ve also been impressed by the number of EVs here in the city. Having 30% of all miles is a huge number, and I think a lot of that stems from the fact that EV drivers get to skip the £15 ($19.61 USD) congestion toll and have free parking in certain areas.
Customers Setting EV Preferences
While there are other initiatives geared toward passengers, this one affects drivers as well. Uber is introducing a new feature in the passenger app that will allow riders to set their preference to get matched automatically with an EV anytime one is nearby.
This will potentially give the edge to EV drivers if the customers in your market are more interested in EVs as their main form of transportation.
A couple pictures and videos from today’s @Uber GO-GET Zero event in London! A lot of big announcements on the customer side, and for drivers, here are a few things that stood out to me:
Uber is launching a new EV Mentor program that allows experienced EV drivers to… pic.twitter.com/o6ofGiLVfn
— Harry Campbell (@TheRideshareGuy) October 8, 2024