Community-First Car Shares: A Sustainable Transportation Solution
Edwin Lindo, co-founder of Estelita’s Library in Seattle, used to view new electric vehicle (EV) chargers as a harbinger of gentrification. However, the arrival of two EV chargers outside his community library and bookstore marked a different kind of change. One charger is reserved for a rentable, wheelchair-accessible EV owned by the electric car-share cooperative ZEV, which costs $8 per hour to use. This development is part of a growing movement of community-first EV car shares aimed at making sustainable transportation more accessible.
The Need for Community-First EV Car Shares
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that transportation is the third-largest source of CO2 emissions in the United States, with passenger cars and light-duty trucks contributing 57% of these emissions. EVs could be a key driver of electrification, and car shares can help make EVs more accessible while reducing car ownership. While tax credits and low maintenance costs make EVs cheaper than gas cars long-term, the upfront cost remains a significant barrier, particularly for low-income communities.
How Community-First EV Car Shares Work
ZEV, launched in 2021, is the only publicly funded car-sharing co-op in the United States. It operates 11 vehicles around Washington State, offering users flexible membership options. Subscribers pay a $15 registration fee, a $20 monthly access fee, and $16 per hour for car usage. Members, on the other hand, pay a $500 equity investment and enjoy a reduced rate of $8 per hour. Community groups can also purchase memberships for their neighbors, promoting collective access to sustainable transportation.
Impact and Challenges
Affordable car shares like ZEV increase transportation access and lower living costs for community members. For instance, Jennifer Flores, a Míocar user in California, was able to attend community health worker certificate classes on time and eventually landed a job planting trees in her community. However, scaling these initiatives can be challenging. ZEV aims to reach a total of 135-145 EVs in use 50% of the time to become self-sustaining. Partnerships with local organizations and community engagement are crucial to their success.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Míocar, another community-first EV car share in California, has implemented innovative strategies to encourage user engagement. The nonprofit rewards users with driving credit for social media posts and survey completion. This approach not only incentivizes feedback but also fosters a sense of community ownership. As Gloria Huerta, Míocar’s founder, notes, “Car share allows the community to feel like they are part of something.”
Conclusion
Community-first EV car shares represent a promising solution for making sustainable transportation more accessible and affordable. While challenges persist, the impact of these initiatives on low-income and underserved communities is undeniable. As Edwin Lindo emphasizes, “This is community work, and it takes time.” With continued support and community engagement, these programs can help create a more equitable and sustainable transportation landscape.
