Electrification of On-Demand Transportation: A Comparative Analysis of Individual Perceptions on the Electrification of Taxis and TNCs

Abstract

This thesis explores the divergent pathways of electric vehicle (EV) adoption within San Francisco’s on-demand transportation sector, focusing on taxis and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft. As cities advance aggressive climate mandates, electrifying high-mileage urban fleets is both a technical opportunity and a policy challenge. Drawing on six semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and a spatial analysis of EV charging infrastructure, this study examines how individual perceptions, regulatory structures, and institutional support influence electrification trajectories. Findings reveal that while TNCs have made significant progress, enabled by corporate incentives, flexible ownership models, and regulatory alignment, the taxi industry faces more acute barriers, including limited infrastructure access, financial constraints, and skepticism toward policy support. Thematic coding highlights contrasts in agency, awareness, and trust, with taxi stakeholders frequently citing fragmented communication and operational inflexibility as key deterrents. Spatial analysis further demonstrates infrastructural inequities that compound these challenges. This research contributes to a growing body of literature framing electrification not only as a technological transition but as a reflection of institutional capacity, governance design, and the perceived legitimacy of change. The thesis concludes with planning recommendations that emphasize differentiated policy tools, equity-centered infrastructure investment, and the need for more inclusive communication strategies to ensure a just and comprehensive transition to zero-emission on-demand mobility.