The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV has already been tapped for numerous projects within the self-driving car field, but also in the ride-sharing community, too. Specifically, General Motors’ personal mobility brand, Maven, has been deploying the 238-mile capable EV in San Francisco and San Diego, California.
So, Car and Driver asks, might the Bolt EV become the Ford Crown Vic of ride sharing?
Although early data is minimal—Maven has deployed just 55 Bolt EVs in California—the signs are promising. The cars have transported 20,000 passengers since February and have logged 200,000 miles combined. California’s charging infrastructure makes the state an excellent testbed, no doubt.
Speaking of charging infrastructure, drivers have also begun to take advantage of Level 3 DC fast charging. DC fast charging is a $750 option for the 2017 Bolt EV, but it’s paying off for ride- and car-sharing drivers. Bolt drivers have made 2,500 stops to charge up at DC fast charging stations versus just 200 stops at Level 2 units. In particular, since the Bolt EVs were deployed, EVgo station usage has is up 30 to 40 percent from 10 to 15 percent utilization.
The data shows consumers are certainly willing and ride- and car-sharing may be the key to building a business case for more charging infrastructure across the United States. Consumers may not be buying EVs, but they don’t have a problem sharing them through a service like Maven.
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