Driving an electric ride-hailing vehicle may be good for the planet but costly for the driver who may have to limit the distance of rides and search for fast-chargers. Uber is trying to help out.
"It’s hard to drive an electric vehicle for Uber today,” said Adam Gromis, Uber global head of sustainability.
Carolyn Said for the San Francisco Chronicle on June 19. Strategies include financial incentives and technological perks to inform drivers in eight cities when to turn down rides due to trip length.
In California, transitioning to zero-emission ride-hailing vehicles may not be a voluntary matter if legislation by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) becomes law.
SB 1014 requires the California Public Utilities Commission [CPUC], in regulating transportation network companies [TNCs], to establish “clean mile” targets. By 2023, at least 20 percent of miles traveled by ride-hail company cars must be zero emission, and 50 percent by 2026. By 2030, all ride-hail vehicles must be zero-emission vehicle or ZEV.
Is there a need for the CPUC to initiate regulatory changes by exercising its jurisdiction over TNCs in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through increased use of electric vehicles (EVs)...? If so, what types of regulatory tools might the CPUC consider?
Lyft opposes the legislation, "saying that it would hurt lower-income drivers who can’t afford the pricey electric models. Uber is neutral on the bill," adds Said.
Uber hopes to do more to boost electric-vehicle drivers by engaging in advocacy through membership in Veloz.org, a new California nonprofit seeking to accelerate the shift toward electric cars. Both Gromis and Lyft’s Sam Arons are on its board, along with people from utilities, car companies and nonprofits such as the NextGen Policy Center and the Sierra Club.
FULL STORY: Uber’s new plan to woo drivers: It’s electric
Uber and Lyft: A Tale of Two Companies
After years of resisting efforts by cities to regulate their business and constant—but unprofitable—growth, Uber and Lyft are homing in on their unique strengths.
Study: Uber and Lyft Trips Cost the Planet More Than Trips in Personal Vehicles
The cost of 'deadheading'–the time ride-hailing drivers spend looking for fares–offsets any environmental benefits created by the industry, despite early claims that the apps would reduce congestion and air pollution.
New Research Connects Land Use to Ride-Hailing Trips
Many of the places in Chicago generating the most ride-hailing trips with services like Uber and Lyft are accessible by transit, according to new research.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service