Revel Ends NYC Rideshare To Expand EV Charging Infrastructure

Revel has officially ceased its ride-hailing service in New York City after four years to concentrate on expanding its electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure in major cities. The company, which began with electric scooter rentals in 2019, will focus on growing its charging network, currently featuring five stations in New York and one in San Francisco, with plans to operate over 400 stalls by the end of 2026 and reach 2,000 stalls by 2030. Revel co-founder and CEO Frank Reig emphasized that ending rideshare is the most effective way to accelerate the EV transition. The company will sell or return its fleet of blue Tesla and Kia vehicles and plans to sell its 165 for-hire vehicle license plates, valued between $20,000 and $25,000 each. Revel's charging network utilization increased significantly from 21% in early 2023 to 45% in early 2025, aided by a 2024 partnership with Uber directing drivers to its chargers. Revel had previously faced challenges in the rideshare market, including declining demand and community issues in neighborhoods like Crown Heights, and has pivoted from employee drivers to independent contractors before ending the service.