Summary
- Uber is increasing the utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) for its ride-sharing service
- They are updating the app to match riders with EV drivers more easily
- Uber Green is going fully electric in over 40 cities globally, with prices similar to UberX fares
- Customers will automatically be matched with an EV nearby through a new EV preference option in the app
- Uber is also launching pop-ups with high-end EV models in certain cities, offering initiatives for drivers to switch to EVs, and working towards all-electric rides by 2030
Article
Uber is making efforts to increase the utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) for its ride-sharing service by updating its app to help match riders with EV drivers more easily. The company has announced that it will be making the Uber Green option all-electric in over 40 cities globally where it has enough EV drivers. Prices for Uber Green rides will remain similar to UberX fares, making EV rides more accessible to customers. Additionally, Uber is adding a “set and forget” EV preference to its app, automatically matching customers with an EV whenever one is nearby.
In certain cities, riders will also have the opportunity to ride in high-end EVs through Uber’s “pop ups” program, featuring models like the Lotus Eletre in London and Rivian R1 in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami. For drivers, Uber is implementing an AI chatbot based on OpenAI’s GPT-4o to answer EV-specific questions, as well as an “EV mentorship program” to connect experienced EV drivers with newcomers. In the U.K., 1,000 drivers will receive free home chargers from Octopus Energy and an 8% discount on public charging through the company’s network.
Chinese automaker BYD is partnering with Uber to provide 100,000 EVs for the ride-sharing service and collaborate on autonomous vehicles. Uber has set a goal of having all-electric rides by 2030, but this will depend on drivers choosing EVs over internal-combustion vehicles. While Uber has been working on its own EVs for ride hailing, none have made it to production yet. The company is also working to provide better charging facilities in urban areas, such as Revel’s 24/7 Manhattan station.
Overall, Uber’s efforts to increase the use of EVs for its ride-sharing service include updating its app to make it easier for riders to match with EV drivers, making the Uber Green option all-electric in some cities, and offering high-end EV rides in select locations. The company is also implementing programs to support EV drivers, such as an AI chatbot, an EV mentorship program, and partnerships with companies like Octopus Energy and BYD. While Uber aims to have all-electric rides by 2030, the success of this goal will depend on drivers choosing EVs over traditional vehicles and the development of Uber’s own EV models.
Read the full article here
