EVgo Inc., a charging network for electric vehicles, announced the launch of a new EV charging discount program for rideshare drivers on the Lyft platform. The companies’ goal is to increase mass EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for rideshare drivers.
“Electrifying our transportation network is a critical component in fighting climate change,” Paul Augustine, Lyft’s director of sustainability, said in a statement. “We know many drivers on Lyft want to switch to EVs, which is why we’re focused on addressing the biggest barriers they face in transitioning: upfront costs and access to affordable charging. This expanded partnership with EVgo is an important step in addressing the second barrier and part of a suite of new offerings to support drivers in switching to an EV on Lyft.”
Drivers on the Lyft platform will be able to enroll in the program with EVgo via the Lyft driver app. Once enrolled, drivers in certain markets with Lyft Gold and Platinum status can save as much 45% on session costs over EVgo’s standard “Pay As You Go” rates. Actual savings vary by time of day, location, and length of charging session. According to the company’s site, in Los Angeles, the “Pay As You Go” rate is about $0.32 per kilowatt plus $0.99 session and $3 reservation fees. Drivers with Lyft will also be exempt from monthly fees at EVgo’s charging locations.
A 2019 study from EVgo found that rideshare drivers typically drive three to seven times more miles than the average EV owner, leading some drivers to charge the vehicles multiple times per day. As a result, urban charging solutions play a vital role in helping drivers make the transition to EVs.
“The number of rideshare drivers in the U.S. has climbed above 1 million, with many millions more Americans taking advantage of ridesharing services every day,” Cathy Zoi, chief executive at EVgo, said in a release. “Accelerating the transition of rideshare vehicles to electric is a critical piece of transportation electrification in this country. Drivers with Lyft are uniquely positioned to benefit from EV use as well as be champions for electrification in the communities they serve. We appreciate this new partnership with Lyft and look forward to helping all drivers on the Lyft platform save on fast charging with EVgo and get back on the road quickly.”
