Evaluation of an Affordable Electric Carsharing Service in a Low-Income Community of Color: A Case Study in Richmond, California

Brian Harold and Caroline PhD Rodier

Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series from Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis

Abstract: Transportation access is a significant issue in low-income, rural, and otherwise underserved communities in the US, with few affordable and reliable alternatives to car ownership. Carsharing is one promising alternative to improve access among these communities. This study examined the implementation and outcomes of an electric vehicle carsharing service launched in Richmond, California by Míocar. The findings are based on surveys with members, an interview with senior Míocar staff, and an analysis of service utilization data provided by Míocar. The Richmond service experienced a variety of implementation problems related to limited space for vehicles and chargers, vandalism of vehicles and hubs, and transitions between funding sources that required the service to re-launch new vehicle hubs and interrupted the continuity of service. However, utilization of the service was strong (700 reservation hours, 4,000 reservation miles) given its availability. Outcomes related to transportation equity and mode shifts, such as the value of carshare in improving mobility and reducing personal vehicle miles traveled were similar to those in Stockton and Tulare and Kern counties.

Keywords: Social and Behavioral Sciences; Electric vehicles; Vehicle sharing; Underserved communities; Transportation equity; Travel behavior; Surveys; Customer satisfaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-05-01
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