Lyft is resuming functionality that allows passengers to request an electric or hybrid vehicle for their next pickup. The service, Lyft Green, will initially be available only to business travelers in select cities when it launches on April 17.
Lyft originally planned to launch Lyft Green in Seattle in 2019 and expand to other cities, but rolled back in 2021. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that the service was “a bit ahead of its time” and that Lyft doesn’t see it that way. high demand. With riders now getting more exposure to his EVs and growing interest in EVs, the expansion is his Lyft’s first step toward making this option widely available again in the market. said the company.
The reopening comes a week after Uber expanded its Comfort Electric option, allowing riders to choose luxury electric vehicles like Tesla and Audi in 14 new cities. Comfort Electric is now available in 40 cities, and Uber also has a budget-friendly version called Uber Green, where riders can request a hybrid or less-obtrusive EV.
Lyft Green is aligned with the ride-hailing company’s goal of 100% electric vehicles on its platform by 2030. That goal is charged in part by California’s 2021 rule that ride-hailing services must be electric by the same year. If Lyft is going to reach that goal, it needs to make positive changes. While hybrids are growing in popularity among Lyft drivers, EVs remain somewhat stagnant. According to Lyft’s 2022 ESG report, only 0.56% of vehicle miles will be driven by EVs in 2021.
A spokesperson said Lyft Green wasn’t popular enough to be successful in 2019, but there weren’t enough EVs on the platform to make it a viable service. there is. By the way, in the United States and Canada, his 4.1% of Uber miles traveled are accomplished in electric vehicles.
Last December, Lyft introduced an option to help drivers switch to EVs. This includes charging discounts and expanding his EV inventory for the company’s so-called Express Drive rental program. The company also offered a California driver an extra $150 a week if he takes 50 rides in a personal EV by the end of 2024.
A Lyft spokesperson said the Lyft Green ride costs $1 more than a regular ride, and that amount will be split between the driver and Lyft.
To encourage drivers to switch to EVs, Uber offers drivers $1 per EV trip, capped at $4,000, and works with rental companies to offer drivers discounts on EVs. I’m here.
Lyft is working to get more drivers on its EV-driving platform, initially piloting the Lyft Green program with business travelers. A business traveler should sign up for her Lyft business profile using her work email. This is his second of his Lyft business-focused initiatives this year. In January, the company launched a new reporting tool to help companies track emissions using the platform.
Lyft Green is currently available in Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Boston, New York City, Chicago, San Diego, Washington DC, Austin, Denver, Orange County, Sacramento, and Phoenix. As the company improves its services, it expects to open up to more than just business travelers.
Lyft recently announced a new CEO, David Risher, who will take over on April 17, the same day Lyft Green launches. Lyft co-founders Logan Green and John Zimmer have stepped down from their CEO and president positions, respectively. His Risher plan for Lyft is to focus on its core ride-hailing business in order to regain more market share from Uber.
