Uber, Lyft to go electric under new California mandate

California is stepping up its push for a cleaner climate

California’s clean air regulator has adopted rules to mandate that nearly all trips on Uber’s and Lyft’s ride-hailing platforms have to be in electric vehicles over the next few years.

It’s the first such regulation by a U.S. state.

In written comments to the agency ahead of Thursday’s vote, Uber and Lyft say they supported the regulation’s goals.

However, Both rideshare companies have called on the government to financially support low to middle-income drivers who will find it hard to upgrade.

The rules, adopted through a unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board mandate that EVs account for 90% of ride-hailing vehicle miles traveled by 2030.

That is a lesser goal than the companies set for themselves after last year committed to converting their U.S. fleets entirely to EVs by that year.

But the companies said achieving those goals is unrealistic without additional government subsidies for EVs and battery charging infrastructure.

The companies said CARB’s targets were based on uncertain and unrealistic assumptions and had risk drivers unable to charge their fleets if critical infrastructure isn’t supported.

Several of CARB’s 14 board members shared concerns over the impact on drivers during the hearing but critisised Uber and Lyft for not helping their own drivers to upgrade.