Best Practices for the City of Los Angeles’ Electric Vehicle (EV) Carsharing Pilot Project

The Challenge

The pilot project launched by the City of Los Angeles in May 2015 combines the concepts of carsharing, EVs, environmental responsibility and equity. Operating on at least 80% EVs from the following underserved neighborhoods—Westlake-MacArthur Park, Pico-Union, parts of Downtown, Echo Park and Koreatown—Phase 1 of the pilot project aims to recruit 7,000 low-income residents.  

However, carshare services and electric vehicle (EV) advertising tends to focus on middle to upper-middle-class individuals and communities. To address this gap, the objective of Barberena’s project is to provide recommendations on developing a carsharing model that successfully services low-income residents in Los Angeles through qualitative data analyses (e.g. interviews, literature review).  

Results

• There are many benefits linked to EVs and carshare, including reduced vehicle miles traveled, low-to-zero greenhouse gas emissions, active public transit use, and potential to fully power Los Angeles with renewable energy. Carshare provides vehicle access when needed and gives users the option to forgo car-ownership, which can greatly benefit low-income individuals.  
• A carefully planned pricing structure and parking-selection strategy can maximize the pilot project’s service accessibility and reliability in underserved communities within Los Angeles: 
  • A tiered pricing structure that offers lower rates to qualifying members through specified programs that are funded by grants and promoted through partnerships with social services agencies and organizations. 
  • Carshare-dedicated parking for maximum proximity to affordable housing in dense neighborhoods, transit hubs, hospitals, employment services as well as educational and recreational centers. 

Deliverable and Impact

Barberena developed a final report and presentation for the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office of Sustainability. Her work, “Planning for Carshare, Pricing and Parking: Findings and Recommendations for the City of Los Angeles’ Electric Vehicle Carsharing Pilot Project,” will be used by the City while the pilot project can help set the example for other County and State cities to follow in adopting more sustainable transportation modes.