Lyft drivers in electric cars can charge up for free

To encourage ride-sharing drivers to offer “green” rides, Lyft is offering its drivers in Portland, Oregon free electric vehicle charging.

Starting in July, drivers who use plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicles on the Lyft platform can use Portland General Electric charging stations — at no cost. There are currently five stations across the region, each capable of charging six vehicles at a time with four DC fast chargers and two Level 2 chargers. 

Normally, pricing starts at $3 for a two-hour Level 2 charging session (those provide a slower charge) and there’s a $25 per month unlimited charging option, but Lyft will give drivers free access to the electric juice.

Earlier in 2019, Lyft added “green mode” in select cities like Portland and Seattle, which gives riders the option to select an electric or hybrid car to pick them up. To make more electric vehicles (EVs) available as a ride option, Lyft also offers drivers an electric car rental. Competitor Uber also encourages EVs for drivers, with an emphasis on the non-existent fuel costs.

So while Lyft leadership has been vocal about reducing car ownership, the ride-hailing service is also working on which cars its drivers use and pushing for more electric options on the platform.