ATLANTA — More electric cars will be coming to Atlanta from one of the largest players in the rideshare market later in 2019.
Lyft announced Thursday that it would be expanding the availability of "environmentally-friendly transportation solutions" in Atlanta and Seattle.
The expansion will roll out as part of the company's Express Drive fleet - a partnership with various companies that lets drivers rent cars to drive on Lyft's behalf - and for personal use.
"We're thrilled to be adding thousands of electric vehicles to our Express Drive fleet this year, offering a cleaner transportation solution for our communities and savings for our drivers," Lyft Atlanta general manager Sam Bond said.
The city of Atlanta also weighed in, with Chief Resilience Officer Amol Naik calling the new cars "new earning opportunities for many."
Lyft said the move also serves as a step in its Green Cities Initiative and overall efforts to fight climate change and improve city life. Citing the Union of Concerned Scientists, the company claims that electric vehicles produce less than half of the greenhouse gas emissions of similar gas vehicles.
Georgia Power's director of electric transportation, Ervan Hancock, said that the company is happy to partner with the ride-share company.
"Ride and drivers are one of the best ways to highlight the benefits of electric transportation," Hancock said. "Our educational videos within these new EVs will promote the ease, reliability and affordability of driving electric."
NEW CONTENDER: Lyft jumps into Atlanta's e-scooter market
