Jennifer Zavon | Forth

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Presentation Description

Technological innovations such as electric vehicles (EVs) are often available to affluent early adopters before becoming widespread throughout society. To make EVs and their benefits more accessible, Forth–a nonprofit focused on increasing equitable access to electric transportation–has piloted EV carsharing programs in rural and underserved communities. This presentation will focus on the Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), a three-year program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that demonstrates a model for EV carsharing at affordable housing developments, community centers, and other host sites across eight states. With 10+ initial pilot locations in rural communities in the Pacific Northwest, Forth is expanding AMP to deploy carshare vehicles at locations in Idaho, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington State, where most host sites are affordable housing developments in urban areas.

While there are many existing carsharing models, AMP is distinguished by its focus on all-electric vehicles and because it specifically targets accessibility for rural and/or underserved communities, where access to EVs and EV charging infrastructure is often limited. Originally conceptualized as a “self service ride and drive” program, the AMP program makes EVs available to community members and provides free credit for each individual’s first drive. This gives participants the opportunity to test drive an EV for free, and provides an alternative model to EV ownership in which participants can rent an EV for no more than $5/hour (plus applicable taxes and fees). In addition to providing opportunities for community members to experience EVs and integrate them into their transportation routines, the AMP program increases access to EV charging as each carshare vehicle is stationed at a dual-port charger with one port designated for the carshare vehicle and the other port designated for public use.

EV carsharing, if implemented at a large scale, has the potential to reduce the number of cars on the road and reduce vehicle miles traveled by ICE vehicles, benefiting society with cleaner and less congested transportation. In order to spur further development in the EV carsharing industry, the AMP program includes components of qualitative and quantitative data collection, and knowledge transfer–sharing learnings and best practices with a broad audience. Program design, results to date, learnings and key considerations for carsharing programs will be discussed in this presentation.

Speaker Biography

Jennifer is a Program Manager at Forth, a nonprofit focused on increasing equitable access to electric transportation. She supports the implementation of the Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), a pilot program that launches and operates electric carsharing services across the US. Prior to Forth, she managed programs for the City of Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability, including community engagement around EVs and a residential solar co-op program. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability from The Ohio State University.

Co-presenters

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