During the Go-Get Zero event in London, Uber announced that at the beginning of 2025, it will start rolling out an artificial intelligence assistant powered by GPT-4 from OpenAI, specifically for its drivers.
Initially, this assistant will be available only for drivers in the United States, and its main goal will be to help with questions related to electric vehicles. For instance, it will provide information on the locations of charging stations or suggest the best electric vehicle model to purchase at that moment. A future update later in the year is expected to enhance the assistant’s ability to handle more complex queries.
The assistant will offer personalized responses based on factors such as the driver’s location, the city they are in, and available government incentives. Drivers will be able to access the assistant directly from the home screen of the Uber app.
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, mentioned that the assistant will receive regular updates, enabling it to be used in a wider range of scenarios. Additionally, Uber plans to introduce an automatic response feature, allowing drivers to interact with the assistant through both text and voice, with corresponding responses from the AI.
Transportation Companies IntegratingAI in Their Services
Uber is part of a broader trend among transportation companies integrating artificial intelligence into their services. Earlier this year, Southeast Asian transportation and delivery company Grab Holdings also announced a partnership with OpenAI to improve navigation and customer service in its app.
Uber’s Commitment to a Full Transition to Electric Vehicles by 2040
The focus on AI to address drivers’ concerns about electric vehicles aligns with Uber’s broader goal of reducing emissions by 2040. The company has committed around $800 million to support its drivers in making this transition.
Additionally, Uber has launched an electric vehicle mentorship program, where experienced electric vehicle drivers can earn cash rewards and additional incentives by sharing their knowledge with other drivers interested in learning more about the experience of owning and driving electric vehicles.
According to Uber, around 180,000 drivers in North America and Europe transition monthly from gas or diesel vehicles to electric ones. In London, approximately 30% of all miles traveled with Uber are now electric.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTech News Director