Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Digital Branch

Charlotte plans an EV sharing service at affordable housing sites

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative

1 year ago

Forth Mobility of Oregon has already tested EV sharing in Oregon and St. Louis (above). Charlotte will be the only city in the Southeast to test the idea, starting next July. | Fourth Mobility

David Boraks, WFAE 90.7 FM

Think of it as Zipcar for electric vehicles (EVs) in underserved neighborhoods: In some Charlotte affordable housing complexes next year you’ll be able to reserve and drive EVs as part of a federally backed car-sharing pilot program.

Charlotte is among 10 cities nationwide and the only one in the South chosen to test drive the Affordable Mobility Platform, or AMP. Organizers say it’s part of an effort not only to promote a shift to electric vehicles, but to ensure that shift does not favor some income groups over others.

The shared EVs are supposed to be available in July 2023. The city will put a total of 10 cars in five neighborhoods that have yet to be named. Rates haven’t been set yet, but there will likely be an hourly or daily fee. And it’s not clear yet which electric vehicles will be used.

Read more at WFAE 90.7 FM

Categories: Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, WFAE

Tags: affordable housing

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Digital Branch