Lyft’s new Rides in Range feature ensures EV drivers only receive ride requests within their battery’s range, with a 20-mile buffer to accommodate different driving styles or route obstacles.
Using EV battery data from Smartcar, the feature also alerts drivers when their battery is expected to fall below 20% after a trip. This proactive trip-matching and charging reminder system enhances the experience for EV drivers on the platform.
Range anxiety is a top concern for EV drivers, who want to avoid interrupting trips to charge. Rides in Range eliminates the need for drivers to manually evaluate battery range for each request. Instead, automated ride assignments help drivers take more trips confidently, boosting ratings and tips.
“We’re excited about Rides in Range. It’s a game changer that helps drivers focus on providing great rides without worrying about battery levels,” says Ciara Chow, Lyft product manager.
Once drivers connect their EVs to Lyft via Smartcar, the feature is automatically enabled. Smartcar’s consent-based API ensures data privacy while improving the driver experience.
This partnership supports Lyft’s goal of reaching 100 million EV rides by 2025 and underscores both companies' commitment to sustainable transportation.
