Senator Skinner Introduces “E-CAr” (SB 1014) to Shift Ride-Hailing to Zero-Emission Vehicles

This week, Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) introduced legislation to accelerate the uptake of EVs and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) deployed by ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Dubbed “E-CAr” (Electrify California Rideshare), Skinner’s legislation would set zero-emission targets for rides arranged through Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). To give a boost to TNC drivers who want to use California’s ZEV incentives, the bill would direct funds specifically for rebates for TNC drivers.

“As more and more of us rely on TNCs to get around town, it only makes sense that these vehicles be green,” said Skinner. “Electrifying rideshare vehicles cleans the air and protects our climate.”

E-CAr would require the Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, to establish a set of “clean mile” targets for TNCs. These targets would specify the percentage of miles traveled by vehicles deployed by TNC platforms that must be “clean” (i.e., driven by zero-emission vehicles). The proposed targets would be 20 percent “clean miles” by 2020, 50 percent by 2023, and 100 percent by 2028.

To help achieve these goals, E-CAr directs the State Air Resources Board to set aside up to $300 million from future appropriations for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project to assist TNC drivers with the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. The rebate program already offers vehicle purchasers cash back when they opt for a ZEV; Skinner’s legislation would be an extra incentive for TNC drivers.

Skinner’s E-CAr legislation is only her most recent action on ZEVs. Last year, the Senator authored SB 498 to jumpstart ZEV adoption by increasing the number of ZEVs in public and commercial vehicle fleets. Skinner’s bills build on Governor Brown’s recent Executive Order that set a goal of 5 million ZEVs on California roads by 2030.

“We know that people who drive for a living rack up miles and go through cars faster than most people,” said Senator Skinner. “By getting TNCs on the zero-emission team, SB 1014 helps ensure those rides are the best they can be for our health and our climate.”