Uber introduces feature for hailing only full-electric cars and launches AI chatbot for EV-interested drivers.

• Uber is introducing new sustainability-focused features on its platform, including an "EV preference" option that enables customers to choose fully electric vehicles as their default ride choice.
• In two major U.S. markets, New York City and Los Angeles, the company is expanding its platform by including farmers' market produce in its Uber Eats offerings on the delivery side.
• Uber is introducing an "EV Mentor" program and an AI chatbot powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT to assist drivers on the ride-hail network in understanding the process of purchasing and utilizing a battery electric vehicle instead of a gas-powered vehicle.

On Tuesday, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced that the company is introducing new sustainability-focused features to its platform, including an "EV preference" option that will allow customers to choose fully electric vehicles as their default ride option.

Uber has previously offered a "Uber Green" service that included a mix of battery electric and hybrid electric vehicles. However, the company is now able to provide battery electric vehicles as the sole "green" option in over 40 cities worldwide, as announced at Uber's annual Go Get Zero sustainability conference in London on Tuesday.

At Uber's GO-GET Zero event in London, Khosrowshahi stated that the company's introduction of new sustainability-focused features is happening before the 2024 U.S. elections, emphasizing that this is a time when the topic of EVs has become a "politically-charged issue."

He observed that the general tendency is shifting towards electric mobility alternatives.

Policymakers and other businesses must also contribute to achieving zero emission goals, according to Khosrowshahi, who made this statement at the event.

To ensure that electric vehicles (EVs) are accessible to everyone, we need more affordable EVs, stronger EV mandates, and incentives for those who drive the most. We also need to ensure that chargers are available in every community, not just in wealthier areas. Therefore, we all need to take action.

Uber is introducing an "EV Mentor" program for drivers, which connects them with others for any queries regarding electric mobility. Additionally, the company has launched an AI chatbot powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT to answer drivers' questions about purchasing and using battery electric vehicles instead of gas-burning vehicles on the ride-hail network.

The transportation sector accounts for approximately 25% of global carbon emissions resulting from human activity, as estimated by the International Council on Clean Transportation. These emissions, along with other greenhouse gases produced by human activity, contribute to long-term temperature and weather changes, as well as respiratory illnesses by forming smog and air pollution.

According to a study published in the journal of Transportation Science, ride-hailing services like Uber's can contribute to traffic congestion and pollution. However, Uber is working to reduce its environmental footprint and aims to become a "zero-emissions platform" by 2040.

In two major U.S. markets, Uber is expanding its platform by including farmers' market produce in its Uber Eats offerings.

Uber announced plans to invest nearly $1 million to help restaurants in Paris switch to more sustainable packaging options for Uber Eats orders.

The OECD reports that Parisians produce over 400 kg of waste annually. To address this issue, France has enacted legislation compelling fast food establishments to transition from single-use, plastic containers and cutlery.

Uber has partnered with British energy supplier Octopus Energy and Chinese EV firm BYD to fund 1,000 free home chargers worth almost £1,000 each for drivers in the U.K.

Octopus will offer Uber drivers access to its "Intelligent Go" tariff for EV charging costs, as well as an 8% discount on public charging at Electroverse network stations.

Uber has formed its first partnership with a power company and an EV manufacturer, which will significantly decrease charging costs for drivers, according to Rebecca Tinucci, Uber's head of global sustainability, who spoke at a London event on Tuesday. Tinucci was previously senior director of charging infrastructure at Tesla.