Solar-Powered Carshare Service Pilot Program Expands Electric Vehicle Access in Eastern Mass.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has launched an innovative pilot EV carshare program to expand clean transportation options for Eastern Massachusetts residents, placing solar-powered charging stations and electric vehicles in four locations currently underserved by carsharing services. The program, called CommunityEV Carshare, is made possible by a $1 million Accelerating Clean Transportation for All (ACT4All 2) grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, with charging infrastructure from Alwayz, VoloStar, and Beam Global, and fully electric vehicles from Zipcar.

"CommunityEV Carshare is a transformative approach to solving two of the most important issues facing MAPC's region, transportation and climate change, by applying new transportation technology to increase equitable mobility and utilizing renewable energy infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said MAPC Executive Director Lizzi Weyant. "We are excited that this program will pilot EV charging without lengthy and expensive construction, as well as promote EV carsharing to underserved communities."

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MAPC has contracted with a team led by EV charging company Alwayz, carsharing company Zipcar, EV charger VoloStar, and solar EV charging station provider Beam Global to create a model that facilitates EV carsharing with freestanding solar chargers that are easily installed without construction, electrical work, a utility bill or the need to trench wiring to connect to the grid. This allows placement in locations such as urban centers and public housing facilities, extending carsharing to people who previously lacked access. Whereas trenching and connecting EV charging stations to the grid can take months or years with permitting and construction, Beam Global's solar-powered EV charging stations can be deployed in hours.

"People need access to affordable, reliable, clean transportation options. CommunityEV Car Share provides exactly that. This work shows how innovative technology and strong partnerships can improve access while creating a model for other communities to replicate," said MassCEC CEO Ben Downing. "This is exactly the kind of practical innovation we need to accelerate the clean energy transition."

"Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we have been committed to ensuring that every resident has access to a multimodal transportation system that helps to strengthen the economy and enhance the communities and general public we serve. This pilot solar-powered electric vehicle car share program will help close transportation gaps by bringing clean mobility to these communities, expanding equitable access to electric vehicles, and creating more environmentally friendly transportation options," said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.

The pilot, launched today in Framingham, brings together Zipcar's electric vehicle carsharing service with Beam Global's EV ARC™, the only 100% renewable, transportable, off-grid solar EV charging option. The model is being beta-tested at four locations: downtown Framingham at the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, the Chelsea Housing Authority, the Boston Housing Authority, and downtown Quincy. MAPC will use the learnings from this pilot to determine how to scale this model to more locations across the Greater Boston region.

"Building and innovating the EV charging infrastructure increases access to and use of electric cars in every community and, in that way, contributes to a more sustainable future," said Alwayz Founder and CEO Scott Nathan. "Alwayz is committed to making this important pilot work, connecting more people to electric vehicles and ridesharing through innovations in Massachusetts' charging infrastructure."

MAPC was able to create this innovative pilot program by partnering with state agencies, municipalities, and housing authorities and procuring a vendor through the Commonwealth's statewide contract for Advanced Vehicle Technology Equipment, Supplies, and Services.

"For too many residents, affordable transportation options simply aren't available nearby," said Zipcar Senior Manager of Government Affairs Will Sowers. "Partnering with MAPC and the Commonwealth gives us the opportunity to change that - bringing Zipcar's on-demand, cost-effective carsharing directly to communities where the need is greatest."

The EV carshare vehicles will be available to rent at a discounted rate for eligible users. The project team will partner with local tenant associations and community-based organizations to engage with and educate potential users about the project and the availability of shared EVs. At the conclusion of the pilot, MAPC, the project team, participating municipalities, and housing authorities will jointly evaluate the program's success and determine the best path forward for the solar charging infrastructure and EV carshare services

"Beam Global is excited to bring our innovative and reliable solar charging infrastructure to this partnership and see it deliver benefits to more people across Greater Boston," said Beam Global President & CEO Desmond Wheatley. "With no construction and no connection to the grid, our rapidly deployed off-grid infrastructure solutions generate clean electricity but they don't generate a utility bill so that people in these communities can access clean transportation options without delay and in the most cost-efficient manner."

"Transportation should never be a barrier to opportunity," said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. "This pilot program helps make electric vehicles more accessible to residents who may not otherwise have the opportunity to use them, while supporting our City's climate goals. We are excited to partner with MAPC, the Commonwealth, and the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority on a project that benefits both our City and the environment."

Massachusetts officials from across the Administration have expressed excitement for what this means for residents.

"Car sharing is already a smart, environmentally friendly option, and making those vehicles electric is a win-win for communities and the climate," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. "MassDEP is proud to support the Community EV Carshare program in Framingham, which will expand access to zero-emission vehicles and give residents more affordable, convenient transportation options—all while reducing tailpipe emissions and improving local air quality."

"Convenient, affordable transportation should be available in every neighborhood across the Commonwealth. This pilot expands access to shared electric vehicles in communities that have been historically underserved by traditional car share services, while supporting cleaner travel and improving mobility for all residents," said Undersecretary of Transportation Policy Samantha Silverberg.

For additional information and to apply, go to the CommunityEV Carshare website: http://communityev.org/