Uber and Lyft Demand More Charging as MA Regulators Look to Increase Rideshare EVs

On June 22, 2026, WWLP 22 News reported that Massachusetts regulators are moving forward with plans to increase electric vehicle adoption among rideshare companies, but representatives from Uber and Lyft say the state’s charging infrastructure remains inadequate and could negatively impact drivers’ earnings.

During a Department of Public Utilities (DPU) technical session, stakeholders discussed proposed regulations that would require all fleet vehicles owned, leased, or rented by rideshare companies to be zero-emission vehicles within one year of the rules taking effect. The regulations would also require companies to develop financial incentive programs to help drivers transition to EVs, particularly high-mileage drivers living in lower-income communities.

The recently certified App Drivers Union is urging the state to delay implementation of the regulations until contract negotiations can take place. Executive Director Autumn Weintraub told WWLP the union supports transportation electrification but wants drivers to have a voice in how the rules are implemented.

“We agree with the goal,” Weintraub said. “Some of the rules could be really good for drivers, but they could also be harmful, and we won’t know until we’re able to bargain over them.”

DPU officials emphasized that the state remains committed to transportation electrification while seeking input from rideshare companies, drivers, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders.

Massachusetts already offers financial incentives through its Ride Clean Mass program, which provides rebates of up to $14,000 for new EV purchases and $6,500 for used EVs. The program has awarded approximately 360 incentives so far, with funding available for an additional 150 to 300 drivers.

The state is also expanding charging infrastructure through the Ride Clean Mass Charging Hubs Program, which plans to install high-powered charging stations in West Springfield, Worcester, Somerville, Brockton, Boston, and Lowell later this year.

Despite these efforts, Uber and Lyft argue that significantly more funding and infrastructure are needed. Lyft Senior Public Policy Manager Brendan Joyce told WWLP that current investments fall short of what will be required to support widespread fleet electrification.

“We need way more funding for Ride Clean Mass and for charging hubs,” Joyce said. “The programs likely need to be doubled or tripled to meet future demand.”

Uber’s Head of Northeast Rides Operations Rachel Perl noted that many drivers rely on home charging to make EV ownership practical. Even then, charging while working can be difficult due to limited public infrastructure and charger availability.

Veteran Uber driver Chiem Klot described to WWLP long waits at free charging stations at Boston Logan International Airport, where drivers sometimes spend two to three hours waiting for access. According to Klot, the delays can lead to frustration, lost income, and in some cases drivers returning to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Rideshare drivers face a unique challenge because time spent charging directly reduces earning opportunities. As Lyft’s Joyce noted, unlike typical EV owners, drivers depend on maximizing vehicle uptime to generate income, making reliable and accessible charging infrastructure essential to a successful transition.