New York wants all Uber and Lyft cars to be electric by 2030

It may not be long before all car sharing in New York City is electric. Mayor Eric Adams has outlined an agenda that will require “high-volume rental” vehicles at Uber, Lyft and similar companies to be zero-emissions by 2030. There will be no “new costs” for drivers, the administration says. The initiative would build on the city’s plans to electrify its own fleet.

Adams did not detail how this transition would take place. the edge notes that the Taxi and Limousine Commission, which already regulates ride-sharing in New York City, would likely be responsible for implementing the EV strategy.

At least some companies are already on board with the idea. Uber” clap your hands[s]Adams’ plan, according to a statement, while Lyft says it is “excited” to be working with the city. However, it is not a difficult goal for them. Uber and Lyft were already planning to go fully electric by 2030. They also have programs to encourage EV adoption in the US, such as Uber rentals through Hertz and Lyft incentives. Pressure elsewhere could also leave services with few options. California will require most ride-sharing cars to be EVs by 2030, for example.

However, drivers may face challenges. Electric vehicles are currently more expensive than their combustion engine counterparts, and workers may struggle to afford them, even if maintenance costs are ultimately lower. EV prices are declining, but it may be a while before they are truly affordable for a driver base struggling to improve wages.

There is also the question of infrastructure. a 2022 study led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimated that New York City would need more than 1,000 150 kW fast-charging stations to adequately power 20,000 taxis and ride-shares, even if 15 percent of drivers were able to recharge during the week. night. The mayor’s proposal would electrify the trips of “more than 100,000”; the city may need a significant investment in charging facilities to make the switch.