Why and how to joyfully move our butts around town, without mucking the place up.

Maven joins city of Austin TX in deploying all-electric shared-use fleet of Chevy Bolts

; Date: March 2, 2018

Tags: General Motors

Source: General Motors
  • Maven is collaborating with the city of Austin on a roadmap for the future of mobility.
  • Austin’s innovative tech and collegiate communities make it a perfect place for Maven Gig.
  • 20 Chevrolet Bolt EVs are now available for freelance driving.
  • Maven Gig drivers have driven more than 6.5 million all-electric miles, saving an estimated 250,000 gallons of gas.

Maven now offers its first all-electric fleet of cars for use in the gig economy, making it easier for Austinites who want to get the most out of their side hustle. Today 20 Chevrolet Bolt EVs became available for freelance drivers in Austin to earn money on their own schedules. The city’s passion for tech start-ups, combined with its high concentration of college students, makes it the ideal location for Maven Gig.

Maven is working with Austin Energy, the Austin Transportation Department, and Rocky Mountain Institute to create infrastructure solutions leading to an all-electric future. Maven will leverage Austin’s Plug-in EVerywhere™ network of EV chargers, including Electric Drive, Austin’s downtown smart mobility showcase complete with a DC Fast Charger and solar kiosk.

Source: General Motors

DETAILS

  • Maven Gig vehicles are available for flat weekly rates that include the car, unlimited miles, insurance (minus deductibles) and maintenance.
  • Pricing starts at $229 per week plus taxes.
  • Maven will provide charging for Maven Gig drivers for a limited time through the Austin Energy Plug-In EVerywhere and EVgo networks.
  • Drivers can see vehicle availability and pricing via the mobile app.
  • Reservations and pickup date/time can be scheduled through the app.
  • Maven Gig is platform agnostic and members can use the car to drive for rideshare services or for grocery, package and food delivery.

BOLT EV

The Chevrolet Bolt EV with an EPA-estimated range of 238 all-electric miles1 is the most popular vehicle among Maven Gig drivers. Bolt EVs in the Maven fleet have driven 6.5 million all-electric miles since February 2017 and have saved an estimated 250,000 gallons of gas.

An estimated 643,800 rideshare passengers have been transported in Maven Gig vehicles, and drivers shouldn’t feel any range anxiety:

  • On average, Maven Gig members in Bolt EVs drive more than half the vehicle range every day.
  • Approximately 9 percent of daily trips exceed the EPA-estimated range of the car.[range]
  • Maven Gig drivers have taken trips from San Francisco to Portland[details] and from San Diego to Los Angeles.

QUOTE ME

“Maven is excited to offer an all-electric fleet of shared vehicles for the gig economy,” said Julia Steyn, vice president, General Motors Urban Mobility and Maven. “Austin is a perfect partner for this launch because of the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation.”

“The city of Austin launched Electric Drive one year ago as an example of a sustainable mobility hub in the heart of downtown,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “We now have the launch of Maven’s first all-electric fleet in our community as a result. Maven Gig creates more opportunities to earn a living while on a sustainable platform.”

“We are very pleased that Maven chose Austin for its first all-electric fleet,” said Jackie Sargent, Austin Energy general manager. “Austin is a community that champions clean air, renewable energy and increasingly, electric vehicles. Austin Energy will continue to work on innovative solutions that will help Austin achieve its ambitious climate protection goals.”

BACKGROUND

Maven Gig first launched in November 2016 to provide vehicles for rideshare drivers in San Francisco and has since expanded the offering for package, grocery and food delivery drivers. The mobile app provides drivers the ability to reserve cars and earn money on their own terms. Unlimited miles and insurance are included, and there’s no membership fee. Vehicle reservations are now available in Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Interested drivers can download the Maven app for Apple in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store.

David Herron
David Herron is a writer and software engineer focusing on the wise use of technology. He is especially interested in clean energy technologies like solar power, wind power, and electric cars. David worked for nearly 30 years in Silicon Valley on software ranging from electronic mail systems, to video streaming, to the Java programming language, and has published several books on Node.js programming and electric vehicles.
Footnotes
1. [range]: Actual range may vary based on several factors including temperature, terrain and driving technique.
1. [details]: Based on Maven data and requiring drivers to stop to charge multiple times.