California Air Resources Board

Driver Fact Sheet Purpose

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide an overview of the Clean Miles Standard as well as assist transportation network companies (TNC) drivers with understanding the resources and incentives to help transition into electric vehicles.

What is the Clean Miles Standard Program?

The Clean Miles Standard Program, also known as CMS, is a regulation developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and implemented by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger ride-hailing services operated by TNCs such as Uber and Lyft. With CARB’s vehicle emissions expertise and authority and CPUC’s authority over TNC permits in the state, the Clean Miles Standard is a joint effort to gradually increase zero emission vehicles used by TNC drivers and reduce GHG emissions. The regulation establishes vehicle electrification and GHG emission reduction targets that TNCs are required to meet.

Who is subject to CMS?

The regulation applies to passenger ride-hailing services operated by TNCs with more than 5 million annual vehicle miles traveled.

How Can TNCs Comply with CMS?

The regulation provides various pathways the companies may use to meet the vehicle electrification and GHG emission reduction targets. These targets can be met through vehicle electrification, increasing vehicle occupancy, decreasing deadheading, investing in active transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks and bikeways, and facilitating connections to transit.

Why is CMS needed?

CMS is a regulation required by Senate Bill 1014 (Skinner), which was passed in 2018. The transportation sector, including all passenger cars and light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, off-road vehicles, and the fuels needed to power them, is responsible for more than half of California’s GHG emissions. It is also responsible for the majority of smog-causing pollutants and is a significant source of toxic air contaminants that directly impact community health, the environment, and the economy. These emissions disproportionally impact low-income communities and communities of color. The CMS regulation ensures that TNCs become cleaner.

How Does CMS Affect TNC Drivers?

CMS requires TNCs to ensure that a substantial portion of vehicles operating on the platform are electric. This means more drivers on the platform will need to purchase or lease electric vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

What Resources are Available to TNC Drivers Switching to Electric Vehicles?

CARB, as well as federal, regional and local agencies have guides, tools, and funding available to assist with purchasing or leasing electric vehicles and accessing electric vehicle chargers. Below are some programs that CARB has in place that drivers can leverage to reduce the cost of purchasing or leasing electric vehicles.

Clean Car Buying Guides

Whether you are looking to save money or reduce smog and GHGs in your community, knowing the environmental impact of the vehicles you are shopping for will help. CARB’s Drive Clean website allows you to compare vehicles and understand what state and local incentive programs you may be eligible for. To learn more, visit: driveclean.ca.gov

Access Clean California

Access Clean California is a targeted outreach platform that provides drivers living in underinvested communities a streamlined application webtool called the Benefits Finder to help them find and apply for clean transportation and mobility incentives, including for electric vehicles. The website launched in December 2020 and the Benefits Finder is expected to be made available for broader use in 2021. To learn more visit: accesscleanca.org

Incentives1

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

To support the adoption of electric vehicles, CARB provides rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). Applicants can receive up to $7,000 to purchase or lease an advanced technology vehicle, including a new BEV or a FCEV. CVRP offers vehicle rebates on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce the initial cost of the vehicles. Rebates are available to California residents that meet income requirements and purchase or lease a new eligible vehicle. To learn more, visit: cleanvehiclerebate.org

Clean Cars 4 All

To help lower-income residents, CARB’s Clean Cars 4 All Program replaces old, polluting cars with cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The program is limited to vehicle owners residing in participating air districts, and those who meet income and vehicle requirements. Applicants can receive up to $9,500 towards the purchase of a new or used BEV or FCEV or choose up to $7,500 in incentives to access public, private, and shared mobility options. In addition, buyers of BEVs are also eligible for incentives of up to $2,000 that cover home charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. To learn more visit: Clean Cars 4 All

Financing Assistance

The Financing Assistance programs provide low interest loans and vehicle price buy-downs at point-of-sale for new or used BEVs. In addition, buyers of BEVs are also eligible for incentives for home charging infrastructure or a pre-paid charging card. These programs also complement CVRP and Clean Cars 4 All by providing low-interest loans to participants in those programs as well as provide financial literacy and ensure that the vehicles chosen by participants adequately meet their transportation needs. To learn more, visit: Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (Statewide) or Driving Clean Assistance Program (Local).

Clean Fuel Reward

The California Clean Fuel Reward is a statewide electric vehicle point of purchase (or lease) incentive program. This incentive is available to anyone who resides in California and offers up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible BEV from a participating retailer. To learn more, visit: cleanfuelreward.com

How to Get Involved

To learn more about the Clean Miles Standard, go here.

To learn more about CARB incentive programs, please sign up for our listserve.

Contact Us

Email the project team at: cleancars@arb.ca.gov for questions about the Clean Miles Standard.

• 1Many of these programs are almost out of funds as car buying has picked up tremendously despite the current COVID-19 health and economic crisis. For the most up-to-date information on funding availability, please visit individual program websites and administering air district websites.