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 installation of two EV chargers in front of the library marked a different beginning. 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 initiative is part of a growing movement of community-first EV car shares aiming to make sustainable transportation more accessible.
The transportation sector 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 reduce car ownership and increase access to EVs. While tax credits and low maintenance costs make EVs cheaper long-term, the high upfront cost remains a barrier, particularly for low-income communities.
Community-first EV car shares have gained momentum since 2016, when the federal government began funding initiatives for low-income and underserved communities. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $13.2 billion for car-sharing programs, and the Build Back Better Act granted $1 billion for electric vehicle infrastructure in underserved communities. California has invested $70 million in such programs from 2015 to 2021.
ZEV, launched in 2021, is the only publicly funded car-sharing cooperative. It operates 11 vehicles across Washington State and offers different membership plans. Subscribers pay $15 to register, $20 monthly, and $16 per hour to use a car, while members invest $500 in equity and pay $8 per hour. A community group can purchase memberships for their neighbors, who then pay $8 per hour with no additional fees.
To achieve sustainability, ZEV needs to expand its fleet and user base. The cooperative partners with local organizations to promote its services and make EV ownership more accessible. For instance, Nighel Cobb, a ZEV subscriber, uses the service for medical appointments and ferry travel to Seattle. He is considering upgrading to a membership and has recommended ZEV to a friend struggling with car maintenance costs.
Míocar, another community-first EV car share based in California, has grown to 45 cars across nine locations. With a low barrier to entry – a $20 membership fee and an orientation – Míocar has attracted 700 members, although only 75 use the cars monthly. The nonprofit incentivizes engagement through driving credits for survey completion and social media posts.
While community-first EV car shares face challenges, such as high infrastructure costs and funding uncertainties, they offer a promising solution for increasing transportation access and reducing living costs in underserved communities. As Gloria Huerta, Míocar’s founder, notes, “Car share allows the community to feel like they are part of something.” With continued support and innovation, these initiatives can help create a more sustainable transportation future for all.
