General Questions

What is carsharing?

Carsharing is a system where individuals have access to a network of vehicles for short-term rental. You can view where cars are located and make reservations in a few simple steps using the ZEV co-op carsharing app.

Where are ZEV co-op vehicles located?

  • ZEV co-op has vehicles at the following locations:
    Jefferson Chamber of Commerce – 2409 Jefferson St B, Port Townsend, WA 98368
  • OlyCap (7th Haven) – 1351 7th Street, Port Townsend 98368
  • Bainbridge Island City Hall – 280 Madison Ave, Bainbridge Island 98011
  • Estelita’s Library – 241 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98144
  • Plaza North Parking Garage – 923 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
  • Neighborhood House – 6400 Sylvan Way SW Seattle, WA 98126
  • Gonzaga University – 521 E Sharp Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
  • Waterfront Place – 1011 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
  • T&C Market Ballard – 1400 NW 56th St, Seattle, WA 98107

What are the driver qualifications and requirements?

ZEV co-op drivers must be 21 or older, no older than 79, with a valid U.S. driver’s license. All drivers must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check. In the past three years, should have had no more than two at-fault accidents, three minor moving violations, four non-moving violations, or a combination of the above. Drivers should also have zero major moving violations in the past four years.

Additionally, all drivers are required to agree to ZEV co-op’s terms and conditions and complete an orientation before they can operate a vehicle.

At what times during the day are vehicles available?

Our vehicles are available for use seven days a week, 24 hours per day. However, there are other participants, so you must reserve the vehicle in advance to make sure it’s available when you need it.

What kinds of vehicles are available through ZEV co-op?

ZEV co-op only operates electric vehicles that produce zero emissions. ZEV co-op currently provides sedans (e.g. Chevy Bolt), pickup trucks (e.g. Rivian R1T), and passenger vans (e.g. Ford e-Transit).

How do I contact customer service?

Phone: 833-387-4273 / Email: goelectric@zev.coop

Regular Inquires
For regular inquiries such as account set-up, promo codes, billing, account, service inquiries, applying promo codes, etc. Customer Service is available from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) Monday – Friday.

Urgent and Emergency Calls
If you have an urgent issue such as accessing your vehicle, or extending a reservation, of if you have been in an accident, someone can assist 24/7.

If you are in an accident or have an emergency contact first responders at 911.

When the situation stabilizes, please contact ZEV as soon as possible.

Sign Up & Orientation Questions:

How do I get approved to use a vehicle?

1. Download the ZEV app and create an account
2. Upload you license
3. Meet program eligibility requirements
4. Pass MVR check
5. Have a valid payment method
6. Agree to ZEV co-op’s terms and conditions
7. Complete program orientation

When will my driver account be approved?

It can take one to three business days for your basic driver application to be processed. The timing of the approval depends on when the driver schedules their orientation and completes their paperwork. We recommend signing up well before you plan to take your first trip.

Can we do group sign ups when going through orientation?

Yes, it is possible to do a group orientation. Please contact Customer Service during regular business hours to arrange this.

Vehicle Operation Questions

How many miles can I drive in the vehicle?

Your reservation includes 150 miles per day. Each mile driven beyond 150 miles per day, will be charged at $0.45/mile for sedans and $0.50/mile for trucks and vans.

Does ZEV rent or reserve attachments like racks and car seats when someone reserves the car?

ZEV does not provide an additional attachments or equipment such as child seats or sport racks. Most of our Chevy Bolts have crossbars to attach racks to.

Do I have to plug the vehicle into the charger when I return it?

Yes, you must plug the vehicle into the ZEV charger that is located at the dedicated carshare parking space. The charging is provided free of charge. The charging session is activated with an RFID card that is located inside the glovebox of the vehicle. If you do not plug the vehicle back in after use, you will be charged a fee will be assessed.

Instructional videos and charging guides can be found on our YouTube channel here.

Is there additional security to ensure the car is not stolen or broken into?

You must always close the windows and lock your vehicle when you park and leave it. This can be done with the mobile app or the RFID card. This process will immobilize the vehicle if someone breaks into it.

During extremely cold conditions, will the car be okay to drive?

ZEV vehicles can be driven in the winter. However, participants should be aware that the vehicle range will be reduced in very cold conditions, particularly when the cabin heater is being used.

ZEV vehicles should not be driven when traction devices are required.

What if I lose access to my smartphone or lose cell service, will I still be able to access the vehicle?

Each ZEV vehicle is equipped with an RFID card that can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle instead of a smartphone. If you are planning on traveling to an area without cellular service, please ensure that you have your RFID card with you and are prepared to unlock and lock the vehicle without your app.

Where do I return the vehicle?

All participants start and end their trip at the same ZEV location.

Can I return the vehicle with less than a full charge on the battery?

Participants must return all vehicles with at least 50% state of charge on the battery. If you return a vehicle with less than 50% state of charge, a fee will be assessed.

How do I unlock the vehicle?

You can unlock your reserved vehicle via your smartphone with the ZEV app. You do not need a key.

If you are unable to unlock the vehicle then please contact Customer Service at 1-833-387-4273.

Can I take a ZEV co-op vehicle out of Washington?

Yes. Our normal operating area includes Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Trips outside of these states must be reported to ZEV and specifically approved in advance. Please contact a customer service representative if you have any questions or are seeking approval to travel outside of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Reservation Questions

How long can I use the vehicle?

Reservations are limited to seven days.

Can I extend my reservation?

You may extend your reservation using the ZEV app or by using the website portal. If the vehicle hasn’t already been booked by another participant, you will be able to extend the reservation. If you are unable to extend, you must return the vehicle within your original reservation window.

How far in advance can you book our vehicle?

Participants can book 7 days in advance.

What if I am late bringing the car back?

If you are unable to extend your reservation, please call 833-387-4273. A customer service representative will work with you to try and manage the situation. Please keep in mind if you are late returning a vehicle, it is likely to impact the next reservation after you. There is a fee for returning a
vehicle late.

Can I cancel a reservation?

You can cancel up to four hours before your trip at no cost. Canceling the reservation within four to one hour(s) of your trip will result in a cancellation fee. If you cancel within one hour of your trip you will be charged the entire cost of your reservation.

Refunds for cancellations due to emergencies are analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

Rates:

What's included in the hourly rate?

Insurance, vehicle maintenance, charging at the home station (where you picked up the vehicle), and roadside assistance are all included in the ZEV co-op carshare program.

What is not included in the hourly rate?

Taxes, tolls, towing, insurance deductible, and any tickets issued to you during the reservation are the responsibility of the participant.

Charging the vehicle at a station other than the home station is the responsibility of the participant.

Is there a way to reduce the deductible cost?

Yes, ZEV has a damage pool that participants can pay into to eliminate the deductible cost. Please contact a customer service representative for more information on this program.

What does is cost?

Rates vary by location and type of vehicle. You can view ZEV’s rates and rules on our website. here. You can also check the cost of a reservation by using the ZEV app and selecting a date, location, and vehicle. You can review the rates before completing your reservation.

Can I charge the vehicle at other charging stations?

Yes, ZEV’s vehicles can be charged at any charging network that has the J1772 CCS/Combo connector. Participants are responsible for the cost of charging while way from the ZEV vehicle parking space.

Your vehicle must be returned with at least 50% state of battery charge.

Troubleshooting & Urgent Questions

What if there are cars already parked in all the ZEV co-op designated parking spaces when I return the car?

This is rare, but if it happens, please call ZEV immediately at 833-387-4273 A customer service
representative will help you find the closest open spot.at

What if I am in an accident?

Call 911 just as you would for any vehicle accident. Make sure everyone involved is safe and being cared for. Then contact ZEV at 833-387-4273 and so a customer service agent can assist you. In most cases ZEV will require you to wait and obtain a police report.

What if my vehicle is not fully charged when I pick it up?

All vehicles must have at least a 50% state of charge when they are returned and ZEV aspires to have all vehicles at 85% state of charge at the beginning of your reservation. If your vehicle does not have at least 50% state of charge when you start your reservation, please contact ZEV at 833-387-4273.

What if I leave a personal item in the carshare vehicle after I’ve finished my rental?

Use the “Lost Property” section in the ZEV app under “Help & Support,” or call customer service at 833-387-4273 and we will identify a solution.

What do I do if I get a parking ticket?

All tickets must be paid by the participant. An additional fee will be assessed by ZEV if a ticket is not resolved within 30 days.

Can I use any charging network to charge the vehicle during my trip?

Yes, as long as the charger you use has the appropriate CCS/Combo connector. However, the driver will be responsible for the cost of using a non-ZEV co-op charging station. Please
remember that not all chargers are compatible with our vehicles. Our vehicles require a J1772 CCS/Combo connector.

Policy Questions

How does ZEV co-op insurance coverage work?

All drivers are covered under ZEV co-op insurance policy. In the case of an accident or damage to the vehicle, drivers will be responsible for the insurance deductible. The deductible is $500. Please be aware that if the driver is negligent or operates a ZEV co-op vehicle in a reckless manner, they may be responsible for the entire amount of the vehicle damage.

Can I smoke in the vehicle?

All ZEV co-op vehicles are non-smoking and non-vaping. Evidence of smoking in a vehicle (odor or residue from butts or ashes) will result in a $250 penalty. Repeated violations of this rule will result in termination of your access to the ZEV co-op carshare program.

Can I use the ZEV co-op vehicle for towing?

No. Towing is not allowed with any ZEV vehicle.

Can I put snow chains on the tires of the ZEV co-op vehicle?

No. Snow chains are not allowed. ZEV vehicles should not be operated in conditions that require traction devises.

Can I take a ZEV co-op vehicle off road?

No. ZEV vehicles must be operated on regular paved roads and highways.

Can someone else drive the car?

No, absolutely not. Only a participant with an approved and active ZEV account can operate ZEV vehicles.

Can I bring a pet in the vehicle?

We love them too, but sorry, no pets are allowed in ZEV co-op vehicles. There is a $250 penalty if you bring a pet into a ZEV co-op vehicle. If you have a service animal, please contact Customer Experience to learn about our accommodation process.

What activities can't ZEV co-op carshare vehicles be used for?

You can’t use ZEV co-op for the following:

  • Transporting passengers for hire (e.g., Uber or Lyft)
  • Transporting any goods or cargo for hire or a fee (e.g., Uber Eats or Grubhub)
  • Any illegal activity
  • Transporting pets or wildlife.

Membership Questions

What does it mean to be a Participant in the ZEV co-op carshare program?

Everyone who is approved to use the ZEV carshare program is a “Participant.” Participants have the option to access the program as a Subscriber (month-to-month), or as a Member of the Co-op (which requires a one-time membership fee). Find out more about how membership works by contacting customer service at goelectric@zev.coop.

Do I have to become a Member of the Co-op to drive its vehicles?

No. We have a month-to-month subscription program for participants who are not yet ready to join the co-op as a member. Join here!

What does it mean to become a Member of ZEV co-op?

A Member is an individual or organization that has ownership in the Co-op. Members pay a one-time fee, and enjoy the best rates, use dividends, and special promotions.

When can I become a Member of ZEV co-op?

A Member is an individual or organization that has ownership in the Co-op. Members pay a one-time fee and enjoy the best rates, use dividends (which provides free rental time based on the usage in the prior year), and special promotions.

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