Zipcar launched its first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) pilot program in Chicago in support of the Chicago Climate Action Plan, giving access to EVs and emission-free driving to car-sharing members in the community.

Five Chevrolet Volts will be available for reservation to members starting at $10 per hour at select locations throughout Chicago including the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, the Loop, Gold Coast, Streeterville, Lincoln Park and Albany Park.

The Volt is a full-performance and full-speed EV that can travel gas-free up to an EPA-estimated 35 miles — the maximum miles reached for many Zipcar travelers, according to the company.

Zipcar and the city of Chicago plan to install EV charging stations for public use to help expand the EV infrastructure throughout the city.

The city partnered with 350Green, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Tishman Speyer, LAZ Parking and Cityfront Place Apartments to provide locations for the EVs and charging stations in buildings and parking lots.

“We are looking forward to providing our Chicago Zipsters with increased opportunities to reduce their environmental impact and drive some of the most technologically-advanced vehicles on the road as we roll out this EV program over the coming months,” said Charles Stephens, Zipcar Chicago general manager. “Freedom has always been a hallmark of the Zipcar experience, and now members can have the best of both worlds — the low carbon experience of an electric car with the back-up security of a gas engine — as we introduce the new Volts into our fleet this week.”

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 31 at Cityfront Place Apartments, there will be a special event to introduce the Chevrolet Volt EVs and give Chicago Zipsters the opportunity to test drive the vehicles.