CPUC To Launch RIDE Incentives to Help Rideshare Drivers Go Electric
SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today announced that on Nov. 2, 2026, applications will open for Rideshare Incentives for Driving Electric (RIDE). The statewide program provides financial assistance to eligible rideshare drivers to help make the transition to zero-emission vehicles more affordable.
Incentives and Qualifications
Eligible low- and moderate-income, high-volume rideshare drivers for transportation network companies such as HopSkipDrive, Lyft, and Uber may qualify for the program. Eligible drivers may receive:
- Up to $20,300 toward purchasing or leasing a new zero-emission vehicle
- Up to $14,200 toward purchasing or leasing a used zero-emission vehicle
Qualifying vehicles include new and used battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles that meet program requirements.
Additionally, drivers receiving a vehicle incentive automatically qualify for up to $1,170 annually to help offset charging costs, which can continue for up to four years if the driver maintains eligibility and completes the required annual renewal.
Eligibility requirements include a household income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level and completion of at least 4,500 passenger trips across rideshare platforms within the past 12 months.
How the Incentives Work
- Drivers who pre-qualify can have the incentive applied directly to a purchase or lease at a participating dealership, reducing the amount they need to pay or finance
- A post-purchase option is also available, although drivers who purchase before qualifying risk being found ineligible for an incentive
Drivers may also qualify for additional local, utility, and other EV incentive programs.
Drivers can visit RIDECA.org to learn more about the program, review eligibility requirements, and available resources, and can submit an application starting Nov. 2.
Moving California to a Cleaner Transportation Future
“Rideshare drivers depend on their vehicles to earn a living, and the cost of going electric can be a major hurdle,” said Commissioner Christine Harada. “RIDE helps eligible drivers afford an electric vehicle and pay for charging, making cleaner transportation more affordable for drivers and helping improve air quality for everyone.”
The program recognizes the important role rideshare drivers can play in California’s transition to zero-emission transportation. Because high-volume rideshare drivers spend more time on the road, transitioning these vehicles to zero emissions can help reduce transportation emissions while also providing drivers with the potential to lower their vehicle operating costs.
About RIDE
RIDE is a statewide CPUC program designed to help eligible low- and moderate-income, high-volume rideshare drivers transition to zero-emission vehicles through financial assistance. RIDE is funded through a per-trip regulatory fee paid by rideshare customers and collected by transportation network companies under the Clean Miles Standard program, helping to make zero-emission vehicles more accessible to rideshare drivers while supporting California’s clean transportation goals. Under the Clean Miles Standard, transportation network companies must increase the share of miles traveled in zero-emission vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rideshare trips. The nonprofit Center for Sustainable Energy administers RIDE for the CPUC, including application processing, incentive payments, and driver support.
More Information
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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