Uber CEO Says Drivers have Between 5 and 10 Years To Get A New Job

Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, recently addressed the pressing question of what will happen to millions of Uber drivers as autonomous vehicles (AVs) become more prevalent.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Khosrowshahi reassured that human drivers will remain an integral part of the company’s operations for at least the next decade, at least partially.

The transition to a hybrid model combining human-driven vehicles and robotaxis is expected to unfold gradually, with significant changes likely only after a decade.

Which is rather a polite way of saying: Dear drivers, your job has an expiration date, 5 to 10 years max!

The Path to a Hybrid Network: Humans and AVs

Uber has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development through partnerships with major players like Waymo and Nvidia. Despite the rapid technological advancements, Khosrowshahi emphasized that full integration of AVs into Uber’s fleet will take time.

“For the next five years, human drivers will feel minimal impact,” he stated, noting that Uber plans to run a hybrid network with predominantly human-driven vehicles and a small percentage of robotaxis. By 2035, however, the dynamic could shift as AVs achieve greater commercialization.

In cities like San Francisco, Uber is already providing access to Waymo’s self-driving rides via its app, but Khosrowshahi underlined that AVs would complement rather than replace human drivers during this transitional period.

“We want to ensure that this transition benefits everyone,” Khosrowshahi added. “Our goal is to create opportunities for drivers while building safer and more efficient streets for our passengers.”

Challenges to Commercializing Autonomous Vehicles

While AV technology is advancing rapidly and could be ready for "prime time" within two years, Khosrowshahi acknowledged that commercialization will take significantly longer. High production costs for sensors, software, and vehicles remain a significant barrier.

“The building materials and cost of sensors are still too high to make AVs scalable today,” Khosrowshahi explained. Partnerships with companies like Waymo and Aurora aim to accelerate this process by integrating Uber's vast operational expertise and consumer base. These collaborations also align with Uber’s goal of creating safer, more efficient streets while maintaining a reliable transportation network.

The CEO also pointed out that the pace of AV adoption will depend on public acceptance and regulatory frameworks, adding, “For AVs to succeed, we need to build trust with communities and governments, showing them the real benefits of autonomous technology.”

Reassurance for Human Drivers

One of the primary concerns surrounding the rise of robotaxis is the potential displacement of human drivers. Khosrowshahi sought to alleviate these fears, assuring that human drivers would not be replaced anytime soon. "Between now and 10 years from now, humans are going to have plenty of work," he said.

Uber views the hybrid system as an opportunity to balance technological innovation with workforce stability. The company’s hybrid approach is designed to ensure that drivers remain a vital component of its ecosystem while AVs slowly feather into the market.

“There will always be a need for human drivers in certain areas or situations where AVs cannot operate effectively,” Khosrowshahi noted. “Our aim is to enhance the driver experience, not replace it.”

Uber’s Broader Vision: Sustainability and Technology

In addition to autonomous vehicles, Uber is pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) within its network. The company has seen its drivers adopt EVs at a rate five times higher than the general public, driven by incentives such as reduced take rates and partnerships offering discounts on EVs.

While Khosrowshahi supports sustainability initiatives, he noted that Uber’s EV strategy does not rely on government subsidies. Even if EV tax credits are repealed, the market appeal of EVs is strong enough to sustain adoption.

Uber’s long-term vision combines EV and AV technology to create a more sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystem.

However, the CEO remains cautious about forecasting the full impact of these technologies, as high costs and regulatory hurdles continue to shape the timeline for widespread adoption.