Zipcar Launches Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Pilot Program in San Francisco

 

Not long ago, I wrote about how Zipcar, the leading car sharing service throughout 26 North American states and provinces as well as in London, was helping to make transportation a little easier for city employees in Seattle.  Now, the company has recently announced the launch of a brand new pilot program for plug-in hybrid vehicles in the Bay Area fleet through a partnership with the city of San Francisco.

The plug-in hybrid for the San Francisco Zipcar fleet is a Toyota Prius converted with the Hymotion L5 plug-in Conversion Module provided by A123 Systems. The addition of the Hymotion L5 PCM battery provides the Prius with up to 30 – 40 miles of electrically assisted driving on a single charge from the utility grid.  During those first 30 – 40 miles, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 66 percent and fuel economy of up to 100 mpg or greater can be achieved. When the L5 PCM battery is depleted, the Prius automatically reverts to standard HEV operation, so driving range need not be a concern.

Zipcar’s vehicle sharing service provides members with on-demand access to a variety of vehicles conveniently located throughout major metropolitan areas. To use the service, members reserve a vehicle online or via a mobile device, use a smartcard to open the doors, take their trip, and then return the car at the end of the reservation. A simple hourly or daily fee covers gas, insurance, maintenance, parking and 24-7 emergency service.

I love Zipcar – zoom!