Chattanooga to Launch Electric Carsharing Service

Green Commuter has received a $750,000 grant from the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) to launch an electric carsharing service in the Tennessee city.

Later this month, Green Commuter will launch its fleet of 20 Nissan Leafs that will be parked at some 20 new charging stations at various locations in Chattanooga.

The Transportation Authority award to Green Commuter is part of a $3 million grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority to build solar-assisted carcharging stations in Chattanooga. The grant enabled Green Commuter to purchase the Nissan Leafs from a local dealer and set up a local service and maintenance system, according to the company.

The Tennessee program will utilize Green Commuter’s mobile app that enables licensed drivers — with a clean driving record and a credit card — to rent a car for as little as $9 an hour. The app allows commuters to find a nearby rental electric car, unlock the vehicle, and start the engine.

“We are excited to have Green Commuter on our team,” said Brent Matthews, CARTA’s director of parking. The grant was an important step in our ongoing efforts to be a leader for clean, affordable transportation.”

“This grant continues Green Commuter’s efforts to make electric vehicles available to larger numbers of drivers at an affordable price,” said Gustavo Occhiuzzo, CEO of Green Commuter. “We look forward to helping Chattanooga become a more sustainable city by providing its residents with our clean technology innovations.”