Uber gives users option to only hail full-electric cars, launches AI chatbot for EV-curious drivers

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on Tuesday announced that the company is updating its platform with new sustainability-minded features, including an "EV preference" that will let customers opt for fully electric vehicles by default, whenever they hail a ride.

The company previously launched an "Uber Green," service which has historically included a mix of battery-electric vehicles, and hybrid electric models. Now, Uber can offer battery-electric vehicles as the sole "green" option in more than 40 cities globally, executives said at Uber's annual Go Get Zero sustainability conference in London on Tuesday.

Speaking at the conference, Khosrowshahi said that the company's rollout of new sustainability-focused features arrives ahead of the 2024 U.S. elections, adding this is a time when the topic of EVs has become a "politically charged issue."

However, he noted that the overall trend is moving toward all-electric mobility options.

"The reality is that we will only reach or zero emission goals if policymakers and other businesses do their part as well," Khosrowshahi said at the event.

"We need more affordable EVs, we need stronger EV mandates, we need incentives for people who are driving the most. We want to make sure that chargers are available at every community, not just the wealthiest. So we all need to step up," he said.

For drivers, Uber said it is rolling out an "EV Mentor" program, which connects drivers for any questions about electric mobility. The company also debuted an artificial intelligence chatbot powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT, looking to answer questions for drivers on the ride-hail network about what it takes to buy and use a battery-electric vehicle instead of a gas-burning vehicle.

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