The California Public Utilities Commission has launched the Drivers Assistance Program, also known as RIDE, to support rideshare drivers working for platforms like Uber, Lyft, and HopSkipDrive. The initiative provides financial aid for the purchase or lease of battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Eligible drivers can receive up to $20,300 for new zero-emission vehicles or up to $14,200 for used models. Additionally, the program offers up to $1,170 annually to cover charging expenses. The scheme is brand-agnostic and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation network companies.
Funding for the initiative comes from regulatory fees collected from rideshare companies. The Center for Sustainable Energy manages the application process, incentive payments, and driver support. The program includes multilingual educational materials and online tools to assist with vehicle cost comparisons.
This program is part of California's broader strategy to sustain electric vehicle adoption following the removal of federal incentives in September 2025. The state also operates the MyFirstEV program, which offers up to $3,500 for first-time buyers of new zero-emission vehicles and $1,750 for used ones.