More than 200,000 miles have been driven on Carshare DART EVs since the program’s inception in October 2024. The carsharing service, funded in part by Mobile GR, provides cheap electric vehicle rentals to residents and visitors who become members.
The program’s pilot is projected to cost at least $1 million, with $500,000 provided by the city.
Mobile GR contracts with Mobility Development Operations, which owns and operates the cars and administers the carsharing app.
Mobile GR has subsidized the program up to $500,000 in the first three years and has received a matching grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for $200,000. User revenues are projected to be $300,000 during the pilot period of three years.
Mobile GR began looking into carsharing programs over a decade ago, after the adoption of the GR Forward plan in 2015. Prior to the pandemic, the city found such programs would not be feasible without public subsidies.
“The goal was to provide an affordable, electric mobility option, particularly for low- and moderate-income residents, while also reducing private vehicle ownership, parking demand, and emissions citywide,” said Max Gilles, strategic initiatives manager for GR Mobile in an email.
Users pay $5 an hour for the first 150 miles and 45 cents per mile after that. The hourly rate covers charging, insurance, and maintenance. As of May 25, there were 310 active users of the program. Rentals are available 24/7.
Test drive
The Grand Rapids Herald staff tested one of the six DART EVs available through the program. After submitting an application and the $10 fee, MDO Carshare responded the next day with a training video. Four days after completing the video and assessment, MDO Carshare approved the application, within the three to five business days timeline specified.
Electric vehicles are available for booking at six locations across the city. The car parked at the city’s Madison Square Lot on May 29 was a Chevy Bolt. The experience was easy, and the car was clean, although the seven air fresheners inside were a bit strong. Gilles said there have been no significant issues with vandalism.
The compact car has no keys; users unlock and lock the car via the MDO Carshare app. Several signs inside the car remind the renter to clean up. Before ending the booking, renters have to complete a checklist, prompting them to lock the car, remove belongings, and plug into the charging station.
“Bikes and scooters work well for short, fair-weather trips but are not practical for carrying groceries, reaching destinations outside the core city, or traveling in bad weather,” Gilles said via email. “Traditional car rentals typically require a credit card, an advance reservation, and a trip to a rental lot. They are not designed for short, on-demand use.”
Members have used the carsharing program for activities like grocery shopping, visiting out-of-town family, and going to doctor’s appointments. A city press release from November 2025 estimated that 10,000 households in Grand Rapids don’t have access to a personal vehicle.
Liability and penalties
Should users fail to park the car at its designated lot, they will be fined for the cost of retrieval and may have their membership revoked, Gilles said.
MDO holds auto insurance for the six-vehicle fleet with a minimum $1 million combined single limit. In the event of an accident which damages city property or which requires a police report, MDO has to inform the city within one business day of the crash, Gilles said.
Users are screened, and Gilles said MDO requires “relatively clean driving records” to become a member. The city is not liable for any damages which could result from negligent driving in a DART EV. The DART EV fleet can be remotely monitored and accessed, and MDO has a 24/7 call center for emergencies. Negligent or unlawful conduct can result in membership termination.
Write to juliana@grherald.com