It does sound to me too like this guy just is the way he is. I don't think anything you do or say will make him more communicative.

I would try not to take his lack of talkativeness and moodiness personally. Don't moderate your actions based on how you think he will react. Just do what you want, say what you want, and let him deal with it. It's not your responsibility to make sure he doesn't get mad because you let him know his ride is there. It's okay to tell him, in moments like that, that he should moderate his tone.