ZEV Co-op is a car-sharing cooperative in Western Washington that aims to make sustainable transit more accessible to underserved communities. The company was founded in 2021 at a time when other car-sharing services in the Pacific Northwest were shutting down due to financial difficulties. ZEV differs from traditional car-sharing models by focusing on electric vehicles and forming partnerships with local nonprofits and government entities to increase its fleet of vehicles. Its founder, Greg Dronkert, envisions a future where ZEV has 250 cars by the end of 2027.
Individual co-op members pay $500 to join and receive benefits such as reduced hourly rates, advance reservations, and a vote in company decisions. Organizations that join ZEV can offer membership benefits to people in their networks and have a dedicated vehicle in their parking lots. Current members of ZEV include Town and Country Markets, the City of Port Townsend, Estelita’s Library, and affordable housing providers. ZEV offers both individual and group co-op memberships, similar to the model of outdoor retailer REI.
ZEV currently has three cars in Seattle, with plans to expand to additional locations in neighboring cities. Users can reserve vehicles through the ZEV app and unlock them using a contactless card. The company provides detailed instructions for each stage of the journey and offers 24/7 phone support for any issues that arise. Pricing for ZEV’s services varies, with introductory rates for new customers that will increase by the end of the year.
One unique aspect of ZEV’s approach is its emphasis on hands-on service, which can be labor-intensive but may be the key to its success. The company has formed partnerships with organizations like Estelita’s Library, which serves a diverse population in Seattle’s Central District. Through member benefits, lower-income community members can access ZEV’s electric vehicles at reduced rates. ZEV aims to introduce EVs to communities that may have a high level of distrust toward new technologies, making EVs more accessible and addressing climate change concerns.
ZEV’s funding comes from public grants, including the Zero-Emissions Access Program (ZAP) run by the Washington Department of Transportation. The company has also received support from the U.S. Department of Energy via Forth, a Portland-based mobility company. Despite the availability of other car-sharing services in the Seattle area, ZEV continues to rely on public funds to operate. Founder Greg Dronkert is working towards making ZEV self-sustaining by expanding its fleet and forming revenue-generating partnerships.
ZEV faces challenges as it works towards scaling its operation to become self-sustaining. Dronkert, a seasoned transportation industry executive, is determined to make the project successful and believes that it’s essential to expand ZEV’s footprint in order to support growth. The company is committed to providing access to electric vehicles for underserved communities, reducing pollution from vehicle exhaust, and addressing the impacts of transportation on public health and quality of life in the Seattle area.
