PILOT DEMONSTRATES SUSTAINABLE OFF-GRID EV CARSHARE EASILY PLACED IN AREAS UNDERSERVED BY CAR SHARING PROGRAMS
Framingham, Mass. – The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) today 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.”
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.”
Statements of Support
Mass DEP -“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.”
MassDOT – “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.
Mass EEA -“Meeting our climate and transportation goals requires innovative, community-centered solutions that expand equitable access to cleaner mobility options,” said Melissa Mittelman, Assistant Secretary for Decarbonization and Chair of the state’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council. “By combining shared electric vehicles with creative, more easily-sited charging infrastructure, Community EV Carshare demonstrates how we can simultaneously reduce emissions and expand access to mobility.”
Mayor of Framingham – “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.”
Chelsea Housing Authority – “We are all very excited for this innovative program,” said Chelsea Housing Authority Director of Development Matt Frank. “Many of our residents have licenses but do not have access to cars, and this is an innovative way to bridge that physical divide between places with limited transit options. Residents will be able to go shopping, take their children to appointments and visit family in a very eco-friendly and affordable way.”
Boston Housing Authority – “The solar-powered electric vehicle pilot at Alice Taylor is an exciting opportunity to advance the Boston Housing Authority’s commitment to sustainability while providing a new transportation option for our residents,” said Boston Housing Administrator Kenzie Bok. “I am incredibly grateful to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, MassCEC, Alwayz, Zipcar, and Beam Global for their partnership.”
MWRTA – “Car sharing is not a traditional role for a transit authority, but the goal is the same one we work on every day,” said MWRTA Administrator Jim Nee. “MWRTA is providing the site at our Blandin Avenue headquarters because a shared electric vehicle at a place already served by our buses gives MetroWest residents one more way to get where they are going. We are happy to support MAPC and the City of Framingham in piloting this model to explore the future of shared transportation.”
City of Quincy- “Quincy is excited to be part of this innovative pilot program, which will expand access to clean transportation and help bring more electric vehicle options to our community.”
About the CommunityEV Carshare
For additional information and to apply, go to the CommunityEV Carshare website: http://communityev.org/
About MAPC
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Greater Boston. We work to create a more sustainable, equitable, collaborative, and climate-resilient region.
About Alwayz
Founded in 2024, Alwayz provides a comprehensive platform that connects charger owners, qualified service providers, and the chargers themselves through real-time monitoring and rapid response systems.
About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible urban living. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a leading global provider of transportation solutions.
About Beam Global
Beam Global is a clean technology innovator that develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage, and vital energy security.
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Facts About the CommunityEV Carshare Pilot
- What Does it Cost to Book a Trip?
The Zipcars are available to rent at a discounted rate for eligible users. The discounted rate waives the $25 application fee. The annual membership rate is $35, a 60% discount from the $90 standard annual membership rate. The cost to rent a vehicle is a fixed $11 per hour on weekdays and $13 per hour on weekends. Insurance, charging, and maintenance are included.
- Do Members Have to Pay for Charging?
No. Members do not need to pay for charging at the on-site charging station. A charging card is kept inside the Zipcar, allowing members to use approved public EV charging stations at no cost if the car needs to be recharged during a trip.
- How is Eligibility Determined?
Eligibility is determined either by confirmation of residence at the Boston Housing Authority or the Chelsea Housing Authority or, for the Framingham and Quincy sites, by proof of enrollment in a qualifying government assistance program.
- EV Makes and Driving Ranges
Three Kia Niro EVs with an estimated EPA driving range of 243 miles
One Hyundai Kona Electric with an estimated EPA driving range of 258 miles
- Where are the locations?
Each site will have one Zipcar and one charging station.
- MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) Headquarters – 15 Blandin Avenue
- Chelsea Housing Authority* – 17 Saipan Road
- Boston Housing Authority* – 68 Annunciation Road
- City of Quincy – 8 Adams Street
*Housing authority vehicles and charging stations are available for registered BHA and CHA residents only.
- Why Carsharing?
Carsharing offers residents convenient transportation without the need for individual vehicle ownership. One study by UC Berkeley found that a single shared vehicle can replace approximately 9 to 13 privately owned vehicles. This is especially significant given that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average household vehicle in the U.S. is parked about 95 percent of the time on a typical day. Additionally, transportation is a major household expense, with the average U.S. household spending about 15 percent of its income on transportation, most of which is tied to car ownership. Low-income households face an even heavier burden, often spending more than 30 percent of their income on transportation. Carsharing can help reduce the financial burden of owning a vehicle.
- Why Electric Vehicles?
EVs can improve air quality by eliminating tailpipe emissions, often offering lower operating and maintenance costs than conventional gas vehicles and contributing to climate change mitigation goals. In Massachusetts, increasing EV adoption will be critical to reaching the Commonwealth’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as the transportation sector is the state’s largest source, accounting for 38 percent of the total.
- What about Charging?
CommunityEV vehicles are recharged using Beam EV ARC off-grid solar charging units, which provide Level 2 charging at up to 5.76 kW, adding approximately 20 miles of range per hour when a single vehicle is connected. Most vehicles can be fully recharged during an overnight charging session (typically 8 to 10 hours). Each Beam EV ARC generates and stores renewable energy on-site, producing up to 265 e-miles of clean energy per day, charging up to two vehicles simultaneously, and supporting as many as twelve vehicle charging sessions per day, all without increasing demand on the local electric grid.
Following every reservation, vehicles are plugged back into the Beam EV ARC to prepare for the next member. Zipcar operational data from its regional Boston EV fleet shows that vehicles begin reservations with an average battery state of charge of 83%, providing approximately 200 miles of available range. The same Zipcar data shows a median trip distance of 25.5 miles and an average trip distance of 64 miles, meaning the vast majority of reservations can be completed without stopping to recharge. On average, members return vehicles with 68% battery remaining, demonstrating that most trips use only a fraction of the available range while allowing ample time for vehicles to recharge before the next reservation.
- What comes next?
MAPC will work with the vendor to collect data on trips, vehicle and equipment usage, bookings, and electricity consumption. Surveys will also be conducted to understand members’ travel behaviors, experiences with the Zipcar service, and perceptions of EV carsharing.
- Goals of this Pilot
The goals of the CommunityEV Carshare pilot are to demonstrate and establish a replicable model for housing authorities and municipalities, increase awareness of and interest in EVs and EV charging in underserved communities, evaluate the use of non-grid-connected solar charging paired with EV carsharing, and inform future decisions about permanent charging infrastructure. The pilot will conclude on December 31, 2027.
Photo Credit: Matt Stone Photography.