Ride Clean Mass Charging Hubs

MassCEC / Clean Transportation / Funding / Ride Clean Mass Hubs

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The Challenge: Increase Access to Charging for Vehicle-for-Hire Drivers

Limited access to public EV charging is a major barrier to electrifying Massachusetts' Vehicle-for-Hire (VFH) sector. Rideshare and taxi drivers require fast, reliable public charging, yet existing infrastructure often falls short of their needs. Expanding charging options for these high-mileage, low- to moderate-income drivers is critical to advancing the Commonwealth’s goals of transportation electrification, equity, and decarbonization.

About Ride Clean Mass Charging Hubs

The Ride Clean Mass Charging Hubs (RCM Hubs) Program is helping businesses and municipalities host 5–7 strategically located EV charging hubs across Massachusetts. Selected site hosts—potentially including grocery stores, gas stations, hotels, hospitals, and other high-traffic locations—will receive over $1 million in state-funded investment to install public fast chargers, attract more visitors, and support clean transportation. This is a unique opportunity to enhance a facility while playing a key role in building a more sustainable, EV-ready future.

The program is no longer accepting applications.

Learn about our other electric vehicle charging infrastructure programs.

Project Timeline

This program is designed to be as seamless as possible for site hosts. The RCM Hubs team will handle the technical and financial heavy lifting, while hosts primarily need to stay responsive and ensure site access throughout the process.

Timeline	Applicant/Host Responsibilities
Mar – May 2025	Apply to be a Site Host (Round 1). Complete application; respond to follow-up questions, help coordinate site visits.
Jun-Aug 2025	Utility Engagement Round 1. Be responsive to inquiries regarding site logistics, permitting, and utility coordination.
Sep 8 – Oct 3, 2025	Apply to be a Site Host (Round 2). Complete application; respond to follow-up questions, help coordinate site visits. Applications from Boston/Metro North will be prioritized.
Oct-Dec 2025	Utility Engagement Round 2. Be responsive to inquiries regarding site logistics, permitting, and utility coordination.
Dec 2025	Final Site Selection. Review and sign participation agreements; provide any necessary site-specific details.
Q1-Q2 2026	Begin maintenance and data collection. Hosts must allow site access for construction teams; coordinate on permitting and site logistics; report any operational concerns to the project team.
Q2-Q4 2026	Ongoing maintenance and data collection. Hosts must ensure sites remain accessible 24/7, clear snow, and report maintenance needs promptly.

Resources

RCM Hubs Recorded Webinar

The program team previously hosted a pre-application webinar with information about eligibility, budget, and the application process. Watch the recording:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are DCFC? How fast do they charge?

DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) provide high-speed charging for electric vehicles, significantly reducing charging time compared to standard Level 2 chargers. Depending on the vehicle and charger, DCFC can typically charge an EV to 80% in 20-45 minutes, making them ideal for drivers who need quick turnaround times.

Who will own the stations?

Once installed, the site hosts will own the stations and have full control over their operation.

Who will maintain the stations?

The program has partnered with a leading EV charger service provider to offer 24/7 maintenance and support. The program will fully cover maintenance costs for the first five years to ensure reliable service.

FAQs continued...

Who will set the electricity rates and collect the revenue?

Through the end of 2026, the program will set electricity rates to ensure affordability and consistency. After that, the site hosts will determine pricing with program guidance. All charging revenue will go directly to the site host.

What if a station breaks?

If a station experiences issues, the site host should notify the program’s maintenance provider, who will promptly service and repair the unit.

What hardware and software will be used?

The program is currently finalizing hardware and software selections to ensure a top-tier charging experience at an affordable rate. More details will be shared soon.

How will these stations serve Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers?

The program is prioritizing charging hub locations in areas with the highest demand from Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers. These hubs will primarily feature DC Fast Chargers (DCFCs), allowing drivers to charge quickly and get back on the road with minimal downtime. Additionally, the program is considering priority access options for rideshare and taxi drivers to further support their charging needs. More details will be shared as plans develop.

Will community members have access to the stations?

Yes! These charging stations will be available to all community members, ensuring equitable access for local residents and visitors.

What happens after five years?

The program plans to have all charging hubs operational by early 2026 and will remain actively involved through the end of 2026. Site hosts are expected to maintain and operate the stations for at least five years (through 2031). After that, the future of each charging hub will be determined by the site hosts.

Would the charger have to hook up to the site’s existing electrical panel?

In most cases, the chargers will require a dedicated power source, and they may or may not connect to the site’s existing electrical panel depending on available capacity. To ensure reliable power delivery, the program is providing transformers for each site, which will help support the charging infrastructure without overloading existing electrical systems. Final electrical configurations will be determined based on site-specific conditions.

Who gets paid for the charging and electricity use?

All charging revenue will go to the site host. Initially, the program will set charging rates to cover costs and ensure affordability for drivers through the end of 2026. After that, site hosts will have control over pricing, with guidance from the program.

Program Background

RCM Hubs is funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and managed by CALSTART to expand access to public fast charging for high-mileage drivers, including Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers. We work with the Center for Sustainable Energy, Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and Better Together Brain Trust (BT2) to make EV adoption more accessible and practical for rideshare and taxi drivers.

Explore other clean transportation initiatives at:

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MassCEC / Clean Transportation / Funding / Ride Clean Mass Hubs