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April 2, 2025

A sustainable future starts with shared EVs

Convincing drivers to switch from gas-powered to electric vehicles (EVs) is a big step in the fight against climate change. But for many, the cost and complexity of EV ownership can be a real roadblock. Car sharing simplifies the transition to EVs by providing easy access without the burden and cost of ownership. 

Zipcar was the first car-sharing provider in the US to bring EVs to both its shared fleet and underserved communities. Today, EVs and hybrids make up 25% of our fleet. With our expertise in operating and maintaining EV fleets, we help communities thrive sustainably and achieve their climate goals—now and in the future. 

 

Here's how Zipcar is helping bring EVs to more drivers 

  • Nearly 80% of members don’t have the infrastructure or parking to house EVs. 

  • 2/3 of members cannot manage the household costs of owning an EV. 

  • 25% of Zipcar trips are EVs and hybrids. 

  • 80-100 miles is the average trip length by members. 

Equity in EV access 

As part of the White House EV Acceleration Challenge, Zipcar committed to allocating 25% of EVs to disadvantaged communities—and often exceeded that goal. Today, more than 40% of our EV fleet serves these communities, with even higher numbers in some cities. 


Percentage of EVs in disadvantaged communities 

  • Los Angeles – 72%  

  • Sacramento – 74% 

  • San Francisco – 68% 

  • Seattle – 48% 

EVs transform transportation habits 


Zipcar EVs help move the needle 

  • 77% of members equate EVs with positive environmental benefits. 

  • 65% of members first EV experience was in a Zipcar. 

  • 49% enjoy the quieter drive. 

Providing EVs where space is limited 

  • 84% of members in NYC, Boston, and Chicago say they live in a place that can’t store or house an EV. For Manhattan, it’s 94%.  

Our Community CarShare in Sacramento 

In partnership with the City of Sacramento, Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, the Sacramento Housing Authority and Breathe California, Zipcar launched Our Community CarShare (OCCS) in 2017. Through OCCS, we provide affordable, conveniently located EVs to underserved residents in the Sacramento region, enabling access to social services, job training, education, and medical care. 

 

Helping low-income Sacramento residents save money and the environment 

  • 63,026 trips using OCCS since 2017. 

  • 20 EV Zipcars are accessible for OCCS, more are on the way in 2025. 

  • 10 OCCS communities have access to Zipcar EVs. 

  • 2.1 million lbs. The amount of CO2 emissions OCCS members have reduced since 2017. 

  • $4 per month is the average cost per month for an OCCS member. 

  • 99% savings compared to owning a car. 

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Powering the future: Zipcar’s EV expansion 

  • 2002: Launched EVs in Boston. 

  • 2017: Launched Our Community CarShare with 18 Zipcar EVs. 

  • 2022: Piloted Project Edison EV program in Boston with 10 Zipcar EVs and added 800 Zipcar hybrids—growing hybrid fleet by 10%. 

  • 2023: 

    • National rollout of Zipcar EVs in Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Baltimore, Denver, and Philadelphia 

    • Integrated into Sacramento’s Green Tech Zero-Emission Mobility Hub, a first of its kind in California. 52 additional hubs will roll out with EVs powered by Zipcar. 

    • Zipcar received $1.7-million grant to bring EVs to underserved communities in New Jersey.

  • 2024: Zipcar added EVs to Detroit, Austin, Atlanta, Miami, Minneapolis, and Washington DC. 

  

 

Zipcar-specific data was collected as part of Zipcar’s 2024 North American Transportation Survey, with a sample size of approximately 5,922 respondents in North America.