UC Riverside Launches Innovative Hydrogen-Powered Carshare Program in Riverside
Key Ideas
  • UC Riverside, in partnership with city and state agencies, has launched the nation's only hydrogen-powered carshare program, offering residents a clean and affordable transportation alternative.
  • The Riverside Clean Air Carshare program offers 13 Toyota Mirai sedans with hydrogen fuel cell technology, funded by a $1.5 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.
  • The program not only promotes zero-emission vehicle technology but also serves as a research platform for CE-CERT researchers to analyze mobility, environmental, and economic impacts.
  • Users can conveniently reserve and pick up vehicles at designated locations, with rental rates designed to be lower than ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
UC Riverside, in collaboration with city and state agencies, has introduced the Riverside Clean Air Carshare program, the nation's only hydrogen-powered carshare initiative. The program offers 13 hydrogen fuel cell-equipped Toyota Mirai sedans for residents to rent through a smartphone app at competitive rates. Funded by a $1.5 million grant from the California Air Resources Board, the project aims to expand access to shared transportation services while advancing zero-emission vehicle technology. The program addresses the challenge of limited fueling stations for hydrogen vehicles by ensuring the cars are fueled with compressed hydrogen gas before users pick them up. This initiative not only reduces vehicle miles traveled by promoting carsharing but also contributes to emissions reduction by using zero-emission vehicles. Managed by Mobility Development Operations (MDO), the carshare program allows users to pick up vehicles from two locations initially, with plans for additional pickup spots across different neighborhoods. The initiative also serves as a research platform for CE-CERT researchers to evaluate mobility, environmental, and economic impacts through trip data analysis. To participate, users must download the MDO Carshare app, upload necessary documents, complete an online orientation, and schedule a vehicle. The app facilitates locking and unlocking the car, with a return requirement to the original pickup location. Costs include an application fee and hourly rental rates, with discounted rates for low-income users. UC Riverside envisions the potential integration of battery electric vehicles or other clean technologies as the program expands. The primary goal is to reduce vehicle miles traveled and promote clean mobility, emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation.
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