Have you been wanting to test drive an electric vehicle--an EV? Or perhaps you need a car occasionally, either as an individual or for a local business? A new EV carshare program in Port Townsend recently launched, and now you can easily try out an EV, or get access to a car for the times when you need one.

A local nonprofit consumer cooperative, ZEV Co-op, has partnered with a number of local organizations to bring EV carsharing to Jefferson County. There are two cars currently in place in Port Townsend, and more coming. The partnership came out of the Jefferson County/Port Townsend joint Climate Action Committee’s (CAC) EV Work group, with the City of Port Townsend, the Chamber and OlyCAP all key partners. The ZEV Co-op Carshare program is available to all qualified users, and offers lower rates for income-qualified drivers.

EVs have been identified by the CAC as one of the top opportunities to reduce our community’s transportation carbon footprint, which is 66 percent of our total community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While not driving is the most environmentally friendly choice, if one must drive, an EV will reduce both GHG emissions and other air pollutants. The CAC EV work group found this EV Carshare opportunity desirable because of its ability to make EVs accessible to a wider range of residents, and the potential for households and businesses to use the Carshare as an extra car and hence reduce the number of cars owned.

So how does it work?  Members of the co-op can reserve a vehicle up to a week ahead of time, using the ZEV Co-op app. At your scheduled time, at the vehicle, use the app to open the car door. Run your errand, go where you need to go, then return the car to the same spot, plug it into the dedicated charger, activate the charger using the RFID card in the vehicle, and you’re done.

The current introductory rate allows you to join the co-op for free, and use it for $5/hour, or $40/day (cheaper than renting a car, which currently isn’t a local option). Rates will increase to $8/hour for members, but will stay at $5/hour for income-qualified members. There will be membership fees once the introductory phase is over. There is also an option for visitors, with no membership fee but a higher rate of $16/hour, and a $20 monthly access fee. Driver’s check and orientation are still required, so some advanced planning is needed, but it could happen within a day. Learn more at zev.coop.

To get started, download the ZEV Co-op app (you will need a cellphone to use the car), and fill out the information, including credit or debit card information. After a motor vehicle record check is complete, you will get an invitation to an orientation training. Once all is done, you are good to go! Vehicle insurance is provided by ZEV Co-op, with a $500 deductible if damage occurs.

Currently you can reserve a Chevy Bolt EUV at the Chamber of Jefferson County at 2409 Jefferson St B in Port Townsend, and a Chevy Bolt EV at the 7th Haven OlyCAP housing at 2120 West Sims Way, Port Townsend. Each location will be getting an additional vehicle in the next year. Learn more at zev.coop.

Give it a try, and enjoy a quiet ride powered by our PUD’s clean electricity!

Cindy Jayne is part of the Steering Council and the Climate group of Local 20/20, which is Working together to foster a regenerative, sustainable, resilient and compassionate community in Jefferson County.