This post is part of a series of EV Driver Spotlights that shine a light on why people choose to drive electric. Drivers, want to be profiled? Tell us your EV story.
Gabe drives a Chevrolet Bolt EV for rideshare services Uber and Lyft. He recently shared his EV driving story with The Rideshare Guy. We wanted to learn a little more about his shift to electric, so we got in touch. He told us more about his decision to go electric, the financial savings of driving electric for rideshare and how he stays charged up enough for his daily routes. Check out his story below!
How long have you been driving electric?
I've been driving electric for five years: my 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV is our fourth electric vehicle. I bought a Ford C-Max Energi in 2014, and my wife is now on her second Fiat 500e lease. I charged the Ford as often as possible, but since I drive for Uber and Lyft, most of my miles were gas-burning ones. It’s great to be able to go all-electric for rideshare.
"It’s great to be able to go all-electric for rideshare... My dream was to drive for Uber and Lyft with an EV; Chevy made it possible with the Bolt."
- Gabe, rideshare driver
What made you decide to drive electric?
I love the idea of electric cars and motorcycles, and have always thought electricity makes more sense than burning gas, since it's much more efficient. My dream was to drive for Uber and Lyft with an EV; Chevy made it possible with the Bolt, the first affordable long-range EV.
What's the biggest benefit to driving electric for rideshare?
Money, money, money! I save $80 a week burning electrons rather than gas, and tune-ups, brake jobs and oil changes are just an unpleasant memory. Plus, passengers love the smooth, quiet ride.
I save $80 a week burning electrons rather than gas, and tune-ups, brake jobs and oil changes are just an unpleasant memory.
- Gabe, rideshare driver
What's the most common question you get?
"How far does it go on a charge?" is tied with "where do you charge it?"
“When people ask me how long it takes to charge, I tell them 10 seconds... I park in my garage, get out of the car, grab the charge cord... and plug it in... In the morning, I unplug it and the car is ready for another 250 miles, which I have only exceeded three times in five years of driving for Uber and Lyft."
- Gabe, rideshare driver, to The Rideshare Guy
Have you converted any riders to EV owners?
I don't know! I'll bet more than one.
Where are some of your favorite spots to fast charge the Bolt around town?
I like using the DC fast chargers at Whole Foods. I can get a snack and then take a quick nap in the back seat. I'm excited ChargePoint has some new stations in Oakland and San Francisco that I'll try out soon.
“Every morning my 'tank' has been magically refilled; it’s like having a gas station in your house, a gas station that sells you gas for 1960s prices.”
- Gabe, rideshare driver, to The Rideshare Guy
Anything else you want to add?
I'm grateful to companies like ChargePoint for building this key infrastructure! Every bit helps get us to the ideal world of 100% zero-emissions transportation. Thanks!
Interested in going electric for rideshare, or just personal driving? Check out our EV driver resources or find your EV in our EV showroom.
