How to Celebrate National Drive Electric Week?

Ditch the standard rent-a-car option and try out a new electric-car-share program

By Meredith Brown

September 9, 2017

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Photo by Nomadsoul1/iStock

Today marks day one of National Drive Electric Week—i.e., the perfect time for you to cross “test-drive an electric vehicle” off your bucket list. Now in its seventh year, Drive Electric Week—the collaborative brainchild of Plug In America, the Electric Auto Association, and the Sierra Club—features a series of 264 events across the country and worldwide intended to increase awareness of the widespread availability and convenience of electric vehicles (EVs). It also promotes their attendant environmental, health, and financial benefits. A National Climate Change study estimates that if the United States were to increase its use of renewable energies via electric vehicles and trains, hundreds of thousands of deaths caused by air pollution could be avoided by 2030.

Can’t make a scheduled event? Thanks to the emergence of EV car-sharing programs, you can still try one out. In our app-centered society, car-sharing programs are becoming more popular than companies like Enterprise and Hertz for short-term car rental. And as charging stations become ubiquitous across major cities—and as major car manufacturers continue to release electrified models with longer ranges—such programs are increasingly highlighting EVs.

Not in the market to buy an electric vehicle? Why not try out one of the following EV car-sharing programs—an option that carries the added eco-benefit of cutting down on the manufacturing of new cars. Savor the fun (and quiet) experience of burning zero fossil fuels—and of arranging for guilt-free transportation by the strokes of your fingertips.

BlueIndy
Indianapolis is home to the nation’s first 100-percent-electric car-sharing service. With mobile sign-up, options for discounted youth and student memberships, 200 pick-up stations throughout the city, and cars that can drive up to 150 miles on a single charge, BlueIndy makes the “urban revolution” convenient and affordable.

Maven
Download the app, and you’ll be able to reserve, unlock, and even start Maven vehicles. Offered in 12 major cities across the U.S., Maven is General Motors’ new car-sharing service, allowing consumers to access hourly rental vehicles from parking lots and garages. A free lifetime membership keeps costs down, but remember to reserve one of Maven’s EV options, as they offer gas-powered sedans and SUVs, too. Added bonus—each car is also a wifi hotspot.

BlueLA
Los Angeles recently launched its revolutionary BlueLA car-sharing service as part of the city’s mobility plan for disadvantaged neighborhoods. Funded by a grant from the California Air Resources Board through California Climate Investments, the program serves to pilot EV-sharing in low-income communities. Through a partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, BlueLA will bring 100 EVs and 200 chargers to the City of Angels by 2018. Cars will be available for use 24/7, making it easier for Angelenos to get around. Incentives for low-income users include a 25 percent rebate for those paying by the minute and a 40 percent discount on the monthly subscription fee.

Zipcar
As one of the original car-sharing services, Zipcar is a go-to for hourly rentals across the country. The trusted company now offers EVs in select cities, including Portland and Chicago. Consumer demand drives these kinds of company-wide decisions—so get out there and reserve an electric Zipcar today. Doing so will demonstrate that the public wants more EV options in all cities where Zipcar fleets are available.

Gig
Gig, a California car-sharing service offered in Berkeley and Oakland, gets our honorable mention shout-out for renting only hybrid vehicles. (Hopefully, the fairly new company will eventually be able to meet the demand for more car-share EV options.) Gig offers flat rates for miles driven ($2.50) and hourly or daily rates ($15 and $85). Upon return, the company charges whichever of these three metrics turns out to be the cheapest for the consumer. Added bonus—each car comes with a bike rack.