The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a new incentive program aimed at helping high-volume rideshare drivers move into zero-emission vehicles, with financial support available for both new and used vehicles as well as annual charging costs. The program, approved July 2, is part of California’s Clean Miles Standard and is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2026.
The Drivers Assistance Program, also known as Rideshare Incentives for Driving Electric, or RIDE, will provide eligible drivers with up to $20,300 toward the purchase or lease of a new zero-emission vehicle and up to $14,200 toward the purchase or lease of a used zero-emission vehicle. Eligible drivers may also receive up to $1,170 per year to help offset charging costs.
The program is designed for low- and moderate-income drivers who complete a high volume of rides for transportation network companies such as HopSkipDrive, Lyft, and Uber. The CPUC said the incentives are intended to reduce transportation emissions while making electric vehicles more accessible for drivers who spend significant time on California roads.
“California’s transition to cleaner transportation depends on making electric vehicles more accessible for the people who spend the most time on our roads,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. “These incentives will help reduce the cost of switching to zero-emission vehicles for rideshare drivers that perform the highest volume of rides, thereby reducing pollution and helping California meet its climate goals.”
The Center for Sustainable Energy will administer the program, including driver applications, incentive payments, outreach, education and ongoing support. Eligible drivers will be able to apply through an online portal and receive assistance during the application process.
The program will also include multilingual educational materials, one-on-one customer support, online tools to help drivers compare vehicle costs and available incentives, and partnerships with community organizations to reach eligible drivers and provide zero-emission vehicle resources for rideshare drivers across California.
The Clean Miles Standard was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation network companies by increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles operating on rideshare platforms. The Drivers Assistance Program is funded through a Clean Miles Standard regulatory fee collected by transportation network companies.
“In the coming months, the Drivers Assistance Program will begin helping low- and medium-income drivers for rideshare companies purchase electric vehicles,” said Commissioner Christine Harada. “This is an exciting opportunity for drivers to participate in California’s clean energy transition.”
The CPUC’s action approves the program’s first implementation plan, sets the initial incentive amounts, and authorizes the Center for Sustainable Energy to begin administering the program. For California rideshare drivers, the launch will add a targeted incentive option at a time when vehicle cost, charging access and operating economics remain central factors in the transition to electric transportation.
