by When Lyft promised to go all-electric by the end of 2030, the company detailed a plan with “extremely drastic” incentives for drivers. Now, more than two years later, the company is introducing a new EV package to encourage drivers to switch.
For starters, drivers in California can complete 50 rides per week with their personal EVs, earning an additional $150 each week through the end of 2024. You can find more information about the EV Ride Challenge on Lyft’s website, but key details include December 31, 2023, the deadline for registration, and a total individual win limit of $8,100.
“As California is now Lyft’s largest EV market, the company is using it as a testing ground to understand the best ways to help drivers transition,” a Lyft spokesperson told NBC affiliate KXAN. “From there, Lyft can take what it learns to other states around the country.”
At this point, other incentives Lyft announced today are available nationwide. First, there is a discount for drivers who charge their vehicles via EVgo. In select markets, Gold and Platinum drivers can get up to 45 percent off the company’s Pay-As-You-Go rates starting this week. To start enjoying discounts, you need to link your Lyft Rewards and EVgo accounts.
Drivers with Lyft Direct debit cards can get refunds at public charging stations. The amount will depend on the person’s Lyft Rewards status and Platinum members will qualify for a 7 percent return, while Gold and Silver drivers will receive a more modest 3 percent and 2 percent return. At stations that accept Mastercard, everyone else can get 1 percent back. Most recently, Lyft has partnered with Wallbox to offer drivers discounts on in-home Level 2 charging hardware. The company is also working with COIL to secure pre-negotiated rates for installation.
“We know that many drivers at Lyft want to switch to EVs, so we’re focused on addressing the biggest barriers they face in the transition: upfront costs and access to charging,” said Paul Augustine, Lyft’s director of sustainability. “These offerings are the latest in many steps we’ve taken at Lyft to support drivers in their transition to an EV.”
On Monday, the company also announced that it is on track to add “thousands” of new electric vehicles to its Express Drive rental program next year. Lyft has previously announced that it aims to buy electric-only vehicles for the program by 2026, and to phase out the remaining internal combustion-engined cars by 2028.
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