Recharge Wrap-up: Renault Zoe recall, Proterra buses log 2M miles
Fri, Mar 25 2016
Proposed legislation in Massachusetts would make the state even more EV friendly. While the state already encourages EV adoption with a $2,500 rebate incentive, the new bill would give battery electric vehicle drivers HOV lane access. Additionally it would set up a standard building code for EV chargers, and allow EV-only parking spaces. "With decreased gas prices, a 10 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled over the last 20 years, and a carpool rate below the national average, we must address personal vehicle use directly as part of our transportation emissions reduction strategy," says Rep. Frank Smizik. Read more from Teslarati.
The New York Daily News has named the 2016 Chevrolet Volt as its "Green Machine of the Year." Seamless operation, peppiness, and a nice suite of equipment make it a top choice for the publication. "The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is all new, inside and out, and takes the plug-in hybrid segment to another level, thanks to its increased EV range, updated cabin, and more efficient gas-powered engine," writes Daily News Autos writer (and all-around good guy) Nick Kurczewski. Honorable mentions go to the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Toyota Prius, and the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai. Read more from the Daily News, or at Clean Technica.
Proterra electric buses have accumulated 2 million miles of revenue service. That equals 3,800 tons of carbon emissions that have been prevented and 420,000 gallons of fuel unburned. Proterra says it has 63 buses in service in 15 cities, and that it is ramping up production to meet growing demand. "This latest milestone exemplifies the economic, environmental and civic value of electric mass transit," says Proterra CEO Ryan Popple, "and demonstrates to the transit agencies that diesel - often viewed as a necessary evil - is no longer necessary." Read more at Inside EVs.
Evercar, a unique EV carsharing service, has found success in Los Angeles. Evercar bills itself as carsharing for rideshare and delivery drivers. Drivers who don't own the kind of cars that qualify them to drive for companies like Uber and Lyft can rent from Evercar for $5 an hour, which includes fuel, cleaning, maintenance, and insurance. "Our platform for shared vehicles is ideal for on-demand drivers because it helps us spread out the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle while at the same time providing drivers with a community of shared learning and support that helps them maximize their earnings," says Evercar CEO Michael Brylawski. Read more in the press release below.
Evercar Model for Shared Electric Vehicles Growing Quickly in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Evercar, a provider of shared electric vehicles for on-demand drivers (like Uber and Lyft), is growing quickly in Los Angeles, and for good reason. By applying innovations in electric vehicles and car-sharing technology, the company is making it possible for nearly anyone to access a vehicle to drive for the on-demand economy.
Evercar's shared, environmentally-friendly electric vehicles are available to its driver community on an hourly basis for as little as $5 per hour. The fee covers all operating costs, including unlimited mileage, fuel, maintenance, insurance and cleaning. Unlike other programs, Evercar's pricing and service terms make it accessible to all drivers, including individuals who wouldn't otherwise qualify for similar shared vehicle programs, or be able to obtain a loan or lease to use their own vehicle.
"Shared electric vehicles represent the future of transportation, and with Evercar, we're making it possible for practically everyone to participate in that future, today," said Evercar CEO Michael Brylawski. "Our platform for shared vehicles is ideal for on-demand drivers because it helps us spread out the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle while at the same time providing drivers with a community of shared learning and support that helps them maximize their earnings."
The Evercar service launched in Los Angeles in 2015 and currently includes a fleet of 43 shared vehicles in high-demand communities of Los Angeles County including Downtown, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Marina del Rey. The company plans to expand rapidly in Los Angeles County, with financing available to acquire up to 1,000 new vehicles in the coming months.
"Evercar's prices make it possible for anyone to have access to work, they're really helping to create jobs for people who wouldn't otherwise have this kind of opportunity," said Terrence Buchanan, a frequent Evercar driver.
Evercar recently recognized a company record for vehicle utilization in its Los Angeles fleet, when nearly half of its fleet was on the road 24-hours a day. The company's model for shared vehicles allows a higher rate of utilization than the traditional single owner model.
"Our new driver enrollment is growing rapidly, every week we have hundreds of drivers in Los Angeles applying to join the Evercar community, which tells us we're providing a much-needed service to the communities we serve and the environment that surrounds them," said Brylawski.
LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Evercar, a provider of shared electric vehicles for on-demand drivers (like Uber and Lyft), is growing quickly in Los Angeles, and for good reason. By applying innovations in electric vehicles and car-sharing technology, the company is making it possible for nearly anyone to access a vehicle to drive for the on-demand economy.
Evercar's shared, environmentally-friendly electric vehicles are available to its driver community on an hourly basis for as little as $5 per hour. The fee covers all operating costs, including unlimited mileage, fuel, maintenance, insurance and cleaning. Unlike other programs, Evercar's pricing and service terms make it accessible to all drivers, including individuals who wouldn't otherwise qualify for similar shared vehicle programs, or be able to obtain a loan or lease to use their own vehicle.
"Shared electric vehicles represent the future of transportation, and with Evercar, we're making it possible for practically everyone to participate in that future, today," said Evercar CEO Michael Brylawski. "Our platform for shared vehicles is ideal for on-demand drivers because it helps us spread out the cost of buying and maintaining a vehicle while at the same time providing drivers with a community of shared learning and support that helps them maximize their earnings."
The Evercar service launched in Los Angeles in 2015 and currently includes a fleet of 43 shared vehicles in high-demand communities of Los Angeles County including Downtown, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Marina del Rey. The company plans to expand rapidly in Los Angeles County, with financing available to acquire up to 1,000 new vehicles in the coming months.
"Evercar's prices make it possible for anyone to have access to work, they're really helping to create jobs for people who wouldn't otherwise have this kind of opportunity," said Terrence Buchanan, a frequent Evercar driver.
Evercar recently recognized a company record for vehicle utilization in its Los Angeles fleet, when nearly half of its fleet was on the road 24-hours a day. The company's model for shared vehicles allows a higher rate of utilization than the traditional single owner model.
"Our new driver enrollment is growing rapidly, every week we have hundreds of drivers in Los Angeles applying to join the Evercar community, which tells us we're providing a much-needed service to the communities we serve and the environment that surrounds them," said Brylawski.
Featured Gallery Renault Zoe EV
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- News Source: Reuters, Teslarati, Clean Technica, New York Daily News, Inside EVs, Evercar
- Image Credit: Renault
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By John Beltz Snyder
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