Suggested Citation:
Iogansen, Xiatian, James Giller, Mischa Young, Patrick Loa, Yongsung Lee, David S. Bunch, Giovanni Circella (2026)

Motivations and Barriers to Electrifying Ridehailing Services: Evidence from California TNC Drivers

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption among ridehailing drivers remains underexplored. This study examines factors impacting vehicle fuel type choices among California ridehailing drivers, with particular attention to whether drivers registered a pre-existing household vehicle or obtained one with the intention to use it for ridehailing work (ridehailing intentions). An integrated choice and latent variable model reveals that older drivers, renters in multi-family housing, and those who rely on ridehailing as their primary income source are more likely to obtain vehicles with ridehailing intentions. BEV adoption is positively associated with favorable attitudes and supportive social norms toward EVs, but negatively associated with perceived barriers. BEVs are more common among vehicles rented through ridehailing platforms. Home charging access matters more for drivers without ridehailing intentions, while public charging access has a greater impact for those with ridehailing intentions. Familiarity with federal BEV incentives significantly increases the likelihood of adoption.