New York-based electric vehicle startup Revel is laying off over 1,000 staff ride-hail drivers in June 2024, effectively eliminating its employee-based model. The company, which operates an all-Tesla ride-hail service and EV charging infrastructure, is pivoting to a gig worker model similar to Uber and Lyft. This strategic shift follows a pilot program where drivers expressed a preference for greater flexibility over employee benefits. The layoffs represent a significant workforce reduction as Revel abandons a key differentiator to align with industry standards and address recruitment challenges.
