Las Cruces residents looking to drive electric will soon have a hassle-free, affordable option thanks to a new car-sharing initiative. A partnership between the City of Las Cruces, El Paso Electric, and Forth Mobility, the program will make electric vehicles (EVs) available for rent starting this fall, as reported by the City of Las Cruces. At a low cost of $5 per hour or $50 per day, plus tax, the initiative aims to provide sustainable transportation choices to the community.
Open to anyone over the age of 21 with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record, the program eliminates the usual worries of vehicle maintenance and insurance. Part of a larger effort known as the Affordable Mobility Platform project, which is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, the EV carshare in Las Cruces allows individuals to "access the everyday essentials of life while reducing pollution and creating healthier communities," Jennifer Zavon, program manager at Forth, told the City of Las Cruces. Additional support comes from El Paso Electric’s Transportation Electrification Plan.
El Paso Electric has been on board with electric transport, offering incentives and rate options to make the transition to EVs smoother for customers. This program is expected to give people a practical experience with electric driving. Angie Rodriguez, manager of electrification at EPE, expressed excitement about the project, declaring it demonstrates the company's "commitment to providing our customers with equitable access to electric transportation and charging infrastructure," according to the City of Las Cruces.
