In effect, SB 1014 would force low income drivers into an unwinnable scenario in which they would be compelled to make a choice between plowing themselves into debt by purchasing a new vehicle, spending more than they otherwise would on a used conventional vehicle to purchase a used ZEV that effectively limits their ability to work because of its compromised range and onerous charging times or to not work as a TNC driver at all. None of those options are good for drivers and, ultimately, none of those options are good for TNCs.
Perhaps worst of all is the low threshold one must meet to qualify for the TNC rebate and/or incentive in Skinner’s bill. Applicants need only certify that the vehicle will be used to provide TNC services and that they are replacing a conventionally powered vehicle. With that low bar, it is virtually certain that the Californians most likely to avail themselves of the windfall will be those already with the financial means to purchase a new ZEV. And, because TNC driver agreements are premised on an independent contractor relationship in which a TNC cannot dictate the hours that a driver works, it is utterly unclear that these ZEVs will even be used as TNCs!
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