Electrical car leasing startup Hive Applied sciences Inc mentioned on Tuesday it closed a $30 million funding spherical to broaden its fleet for ride-hail drivers who can in any other case not afford the automobiles’ increased upfront prices.

Backed by environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused traders, the corporate leases EVs to Uber Applied sciences Inc and Lyft Inc drivers on a per-mile price foundation providing a doubtlessly cheaper possibility than taking out a mortgage to purchase a brand new EV.

“The extra you drive, the quicker the automobile fee goes to zero. So as a substitute of going underneath the water on a mortgage, you are benefiting,” Hive Chief Government Mathias Thomsen mentioned in an interview with Reuters.

The corporate solely operates with Basic Motors’ Chevrolet Bolts in California, however is speaking to different automakers to broaden its car line up and plans to broaden to a number of different states within the coming years, Thomsen mentioned. The funding will improve Hive’s fleet to 1,000 automobiles from 100 at current.

Hive’s funding spherical comes as ESG-minded traders pour cash into EV corporations, betting on a speedy uptick in EV adoption over the subsequent few years.

Uber and Lyft have each promised to run solely electrical automobiles on their U.S. ride-hail platforms by 2030, however it’s but unclear how low-income drivers are anticipated to finance the more expensive vehicles.

Uber and Hertz in October introduced a partnership to supply 50,000 Tesla Inc leases to drivers beginning at $334 every week.

Thomsen mentioned Hive’s vehicles can be considerably cheaper, and drivers would have the ability to use solar-powered charging stations operated by iSun Inc, additionally an investor in Hive.

Hive’s automobiles are acquired by Galway Sustainable Capital, a private-equity backed finance firm and Hive investor. Even at Hive’s decrease leasing costs, the enterprise presents enticing returns, with new EVs being paid off after round 4 years, mentioned Galway President Trent Yang.

“We’re taking a bit extra danger however we now have nice confidence that these EVs will retain actual market worth,” Yang mentioned.