Lyft launches 200 long-range EVs into Denver rental programme

Lyft has announced the launch of 200 long-range electric vehicles (EVs) into its Denver Express Drive rental programme, with the aim to enable more Lyft drivers to choose EVs instead of conventional vehicles.

“The largest barrier preventing drivers on our platform from adopting EVs today is vehicle cost. While there are federal and local programmes to encourage consumer EV sales, many drivers do not have access to financing required to purchase or lease a new car. Ride-share rentals are an effective, flexible way to overcome this hurdle and provide access to those who have been previously excluded,” read a Lyft blog post.

This launch of EVs is said to increase net driver earnings; after the first deployments, EV renters in the Express Drive programme have allegedly saved approximately $70-100 per week on fuel costs.

The launch in Denver was said to be made possible by the policy in Colorado, where state and local leaders are accelerating EV adoption by improving existing EV incentive programmes to allow rideshare rental programmes to participate at scale.

Lyft has said that it is challenging more partners to “follow in Colorado’s footsteps” by collaborating to create new, or adapt existing programmes, to better serve the ride-share driver community.