Revel announced on Wednesday it will soon offer ride-hailing services in New York City with a fleet of 50 Tesla Model Y vehicles.
The Brooklyn-based startup, best known for its moped-sharing service, said the service will launch next month. It will initially be limited to lower Manhattan below 42nd street, but the company expects to expand its footprint next year.
While they may look like a normal Model Y on the outside (except for the bright blue vinyl wrap), the interior is not. The front passenger seat in each of the electric SUVs has been removed to provide more legroom. For the safety of the drivers, which are employees of the company with full benefits, a plastic screen has also been added to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
There is also a secondary touchscreen in the back seat to allow passengers to control climate and music during their ride.
Along with the electric ride-hailing service, Revel also plans to create a network of fast charging stations called Superhubs. The first 10 chargers at the location in Brooklyn will open in June and will be available to the public on a 24/7 basis.
According to the company this Superhub will eventually become the “largest universal fast charging depot in North America” when complete.
