Smartcar, a leading API platform for mobility businesses, has partnered with Lyft, one of North America’s largest transportation networks, to address range anxiety and boost confidence among EV drivers. Lyft’s new ‘Rides in Range’ feature ensures EV drivers receive only ride requests that fall within their current battery range. The feature includes a 20-mile buffer to account for varying driving styles and unexpected route obstacles.
With EV battery data provided by Smartcar, the ‘Rides in Range’ feature also alerts drivers when they need to charge their vehicle after a trip if their battery level is projected to drop below 20 percent. By integrating automatic trip matching and proactive charging reminders, Lyft aims to create a more convenient and efficient experience for EV drivers and passengers alike.
Range Anxiety: The Top Issue for EV Drivers on Lyft
Range anxiety, or the fear of running out of charge during a trip, is the primary concern for EV drivers using Lyft. This issue can disrupt trips and create stress, as drivers may struggle to find charging stations mid-ride.
Lyft’s ‘Rides in Range’ feature eliminates the need for EV drivers to constantly calculate their battery range for each request. With Smartcar’s accurate battery data, drivers can accept more rides confidently, improve their ratings, and earn more tips from satisfied passengers.
“At Lyft, we focus on making life easier for our drivers, and range anxiety is a big concern for those with electric vehicles,” said Ciara Chow, Lyft Product Manager. “Thanks to our partnership with Smartcar, the ‘Rides in Range’ feature lets drivers focus on providing great rides without worrying about battery levels.”
Seamless EV Range Monitoring for Drivers
Once an EV driver connects their vehicle to Lyft via Smartcar, the ‘Rides in Range’ feature is automatically activated for future rides. Lyft selected Smartcar’s platform for its technical capabilities, ease of use for drivers, and scalability across popular EV models.
Smartcar’s consent-based API ensures a quick, secure setup that allows Lyft drivers to share only essential data, maintaining privacy while improving their experience.
“One of the biggest challenges we face today is combating climate change, and it’s inspiring to see companies like Lyft make significant commitments to electrification,” said Sahas Katta, CEO and co-founder of Smartcar. “We’re excited to partner with Lyft to enhance the EV experience and look forward to creating more solutions that make the transition to EVs seamless and efficient.”
Supporting a Sustainable, Emission-Free Future for Rideshare
By optimizing ride assignments based on battery range, Lyft hopes the ‘Rides in Range’ feature will increase ride-matching speed, improve passenger experiences, and minimize charging interruptions during trips.
This partnership highlights the shared vision of Smartcar and Lyft for a sustainable future. By supporting EV adoption and tackling the obstacles that hold drivers back, Lyft aims to reach 100 million EV rides on its platform by the end of 2025.
