Ride sharing platform Uber on Tuesday announced that the company is taking new steps to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on its platform.
Uber announced it will now let riders choosejust ride EV via a new electric version of the Uber Green platform, which previously included a hybrid option. Uber will also launch a feature that allows users to set an electric vehicle as their preference when there is only a few minutes difference in terms of ETA compared to standard UberX, while using a gas-powered vehicle if the wait time is longer.
“After launching Uber Green with hybrids and electric vehicles around the world, we now have enough electric vehicle drivers on our platform to make it the only electric vehicle option in 40+ cities globally,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “Riders will be able to choose electric vehicles at nearly the same price as UberX.”
“Love the EV experience but sometimes not the longer ETA? We are introducing a new feature that allows drivers to set their preferences in the app and be matched with an EV whenever one is nearby,” added Khosrowshahi. “If the ETA is within a few minutes of a standard UberX, your EV ride will be right around the corner. Set it and forget it!”
UBER OFFERS DRIVERLESS TRIPS WITH WAYMO IN AUSTIN, ATLANTA
The all-electric Uber Green will launch in the US inNew York CityLos Angeles, New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County, Sacramento, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs.
Heart | Security | Final | Change | Change % |
---|---|---|---|---|
UBER | UBER TECHNOLOGY INC. | 74.59 | +0.31 |
+0.42% |
It will also be available in several international markets, including Paris and all cities in France, plus cities in Australia and New Zealand, including Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.
TOYOTA DELAYS PRODUCTION OF US-MADE EVS UNTIL 2026
To encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, Uber will also launchartificial intelligence (AI) assistant starting next year in the US that can answer drivers’ questions about purchasing an electric vehicle – including recommendations, as well as information about range and charging.
“Using an electric vehicle is a big decision, and drivers have many questions. That’s why we announced the AI assistant in the driver app – powered byGPT-4o OpenAI – to help drivers get answers to every EV question,” explains Khosrowshahi.
VOLVO RETURNS GOAL TO MAKE EVS ONLY BY 2030
The company created an electric vehicle mentorship program to connect experienced electric vehicle drivers with peers who are considering switching to electric vehicles, giving them the opportunity to share experiences and answer questions.
Uber also launched a series of “premium EV pop-ups” so drivers can ride in innovative EVs, including the Lotus Eletre in London and the Rivian R1 in Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas.
Uber promised four years ago to become azero-emission platform by 2040 and Khosrowshahi added that the company will “continue to use our platform as a launchpad for new innovations that help make sustainable choices easier, more affordable and better for us all.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The company’s announcement comes as automakers including Toyota and Volvo have revised their electric vehicle plans amid weakening consumer demand for fully electric vehicles.