Cities100: Los Angeles - Electric Car-Sharing in Low-Income Communities

Los Angeles is introducing an electric car-sharing fleet in disadvantaged communities lacking transport options, in a coordinated effort to improve environmental conditions and economic prospects in these districts.

The Challenge

Each year, Los Angeles experiences unhealthy levels of particle pollution for the equivalent of nearly a month, and unhealthy ozone pollution for the equivalent of more than two months, mainly impacting underprivileged communities of the city. By introducing electric car-sharing fleets in disadvantaged communities, the city hopes to reduce CO2 emissions, while addressing pollution and transit injustice in historically underserved communities.

The Solution

In 2016, Los Angeles launched its plan to introduce electric car-sharing fleets into disadvantaged communities, benefiting those most impacted by air pollution and most in need of improved mobility options, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the first project of its kind in the world, the pilot will double car-sharing in the city, initially placing 100 shared-use EVs and 200 charging stations in disadvantaged communities in and around Central Los Angeles. Within three years, the project aims to recruit 7,000 new users, who are expected to sell or avoid purchasing 1,000 private vehicles. By putting EVs and infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods and providing a subsidy to encourage their use, the city is helping increase access to economic opportunities while also promoting behavior change, eco-friendly mobility options, and improved air quality. The project is part of Los Angeles’ Sustainable City plan, which includes a goal of installing 1,000 public EV charging stations by 2017. Having already surpassed that goal, this program will help the city achieve its aims of having 25% of all vehicles on the road be emissions free by 2035 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 1990 baseline levels by 2025.

Environmental Benefits – The project will result in 5.3 million fewer annual vehicle miles traveled in Los Angeles and more than 900,000 fewer annual liters of gasoline used.

Social Benefits – The project will lift up historically disadvantaged communities by providing them with affordable access to resources around the city, such as jobs and schools.

Economic Benefits – The car-sharing program can help boost the economy by lowering transportation costs, allowing for greater purchasing power in the local and regional economies.

Health Benefits – The project will help decrease air pollution that can cause asthma attacks, heart problems, and other health issues.

About Cities100

In its second year, Cities100 – presented by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Sustainia and Realdania – showcases leading solutions to urban climate challenges in ten sectors, ranging from solid waste management to transportation. For the first time, this year’s publication features solutions that address the nexus of climate change and social equity.

Available online and in print, Cities100 provides stakeholders an accessible format to explore achievable solutions for climate action in cities, and will be a useful tool for relevant groups ranging from impact investors and development organizations, to mayors and city governments.  You can access the full Cities100 2016 publication online here and read more about how may­ors will de­liver the aims of the Paris Agree­ment in a fore­ward by Anne Hidalgo, C40 Chair and Mayor of Paris, here.