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A new Zipcar pilot pairs shared EVs with off-grid solar charging
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A new pilot program in Greater Boston is pairing shared electric vehicles (EVs) with off-grid solar charging stations to bring affordable carsharing to historically underserved communities. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) has launched CommunityEV Carshare at four locations, using Beam Global’s EV ARC charging systems and Zipcars. Zipcar members can reserve EVs at discounted rates between $11 and $13 per hour, making clean transportation more accessible.
The pilot operates in downtown Framingham at the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, the Chelsea Housing Authority, the Boston Housing Authority, and downtown Quincy. These sites were chosen to serve communities where carsharing and charging options have been limited. The off-grid solar EV chargers generate and store their own electricity, eliminating the need for connection, trenching, or electrical work—significantly speeding up deployment in areas where conventional chargers are impractical or costly.
Beam Global states each EV ARC system can charge two vehicles simultaneously and produce enough solar energy to support up to 265 miles of driving per day. Because the electricity is generated on-site, there is no per-kilowatt-hour cost and no added demand on the local grid. This setup aligns well with carsharing patterns: the U.S. Department of Transportation notes household vehicles are parked about 95% of the time, while the median trip in Zipcar’s Boston EV fleet is just 25.5 miles.
MAPC is renting the EV ARC units, lowering upfront infrastructure costs and providing Beam with a recurring revenue stream. The pilot will test whether combining shared EVs with rapidly deployable, off-grid solar charging can expand clean transportation access without waiting for utility upgrades or permanent charging infrastructure. If successful, the model could be replicated in other regions with scarce carsharing and charging options.
“We are excited that this program will pilot EV charging without lengthy and expensive construction, as well as promote EV carsharing to underserved communities,” said MAPC executive director Lizzi Weyant. The program addresses a critical need in Massachusetts, where transportation accounts for 38% of greenhouse gas emissions—the state’s largest source. Massachusetts has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Looking ahead, the pilot’s outcome could shape future EV sharing initiatives nationwide. By proving that off-grid solar charging can support carsharing economically and efficiently, the model offers a path to decarbonize transportation while ensuring equitable access. If adopted more widely, it could accelerate the transition to electric mobility in communities that have historically been left behind.
