The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, not only among individual commuters but also in fleet applications, commercial transportation, and rideshare services. Rideshare drivers, in particular, are increasingly turning to electric vehicles to reduce fuel costs, leading to a surge in demand for publicly accessible EV chargers.
Omar Asensio, a visiting climate fellow at Harvard Business School’s Institute for the Study of Business in Global Society (BiGS) and an associate professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, recently conducted a study of over 1 million EV driver reviews of charging stations across North America, Europe, and Asia. The study revealed that commercial rideshare drivers are among those driving the need for public charging units.
According to Asensio, rideshare drivers, such as those working for companies like Uber, heavily rely on public chargers for their daily needs, often charging their vehicles every day or every couple of days. This reliance on public charging infrastructure significantly increases electric vehicle miles traveled, highlighting the importance of convenient and accessible charging stations.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has also emphasized the critical role of EV charging infrastructure in supporting the transition to electric vehicles. In a Fast Co. op-ed during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Khosrowshahi urged U.S. policymakers to accelerate plans to improve the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. He noted that independent Uber drivers are converting to electric vehicles seven times faster than the general public, with many of them coming from low- and middle-income households that rely on public charging stations.
Khosrowshahi highlighted the need for more equitable charging infrastructure, particularly in neighborhoods where drivers may not have access to overnight charging facilities. He pointed out the existence of “charging deserts,” areas lacking adequate charging infrastructure, which hinder many individuals from making the switch to electric vehicles.
The push for improved EV charging infrastructure is not only crucial for reducing emissions and combating climate change but also for ensuring equitable access to electric transportation options. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, addressing the need for convenient and accessible charging stations will be essential in supporting the widespread adoption of EVs in various sectors, including rideshare services.
In conclusion, the shift towards electric vehicles in rideshare services underscores the importance of expanding and enhancing public charging infrastructure to meet the needs of drivers and promote the transition to sustainable transportation. Collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and communities will be key in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with the electrification of transportation.
