Lyft users in Denver may soon be picked up by an electric vehicle.
The ride-hailing company announced Thursday that 200 long-range electric vehicles will be made available to rent in December for its drivers in the Mile High City.
"I was just talking to a Lyft driver who told me that their single biggest cost is gas," said Gov. Jared Polis, flanked by Lyft officials and other government leaders on the steps of the state Capitol. "And so his earnings will go up when he's driving electric vehicles."
Lyft estimates a driver could save between $70 and $100 per week in fuel costs, based on similar programs in other cities.
Recent legislation that lowered the purchase cost of electric vehicles for ride-hailing companies was key to Lyft's decision to launch its program, said Cal Lankton, Lyft's vice president of fleet and global operations.
"Colorado's obviously been a fantastic place for Lyft," Lankton said.
Lyft's expansion will expose thousands of riders to electric vehicles, Polis said. He hopes that will persuade them to buy an electric vehicle for their next purchase.
"This is what our renewable energy future looks like," he said. "Getting creative, saving people money, providing more choices, creating jobs, and staying focused on our goals of reducing emissions and improving air quality."
Lyft said the 200 electric vehicles will make up a substantial part of its rental fleet in Denver, though a company official declined to give specifics.
