When Loretta Powell settled into the driver's seat of the Chevy Volt, she took a moment to adjust to the vehicle's settings before pressing the blue power button behind the steering wheel. This was her second time behind the wheel of an electric car. The first time, she remembered, was a smooth and peaceful experience. "You couldn't tell you were driving; it was very quiet," she said as she backed out of the parking lot at Eastside Community Network's Stoudamire Wellness Hub. Like most electric vehicles, it emitted a gentle hum as it reversed.

Expanding Access to Electric Vehicles

Since April this year, Eastside Community Network has been offering east side residents the chance to rent an electric vehicle stationed at its community hub. "This is another option for accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation," said Arena Johnson, the equitable mobility coordinator. "It's been helpful for those without cars or for quick errands and longer distance travel within the state."ECN is one of three host sites in Detroit for the Affordable Mobility Platform, a national EV carsharing project. The U.S. Department of Energy funds this program, aiming to expand access to electric vehicles for underserved communities. "We're addressing a systemic problem by partnering with affordable housing and local partners," said Connor Herman, the program manager. "The program will increase access to electric vehicles across Michigan for BIPOC and lower-income neighborhoods, which often bear the brunt of transportation issues."

Affordable Electric Vehicle Rentals

At just $5 per hour or $50 a day, with auto insurance covered, residents can rent a car to meet their immediate transportation needs. In a city with an unreliable public transit system, limited car access, and poor walk and bike paths, this is a valuable option. Johnson said the carsharing service fits into ECN's broader climate equity work. Over the past decade, they've brought together residents, officials, and experts to advocate for climate-friendly policies and infrastructure."The lack of good transportation infrastructure is a barrier," Johnson noted. Residents often discuss the challenges of late buses, broken sidewalks, and the lack of bike paths and bus shelters. "It's not just about cars; it's about how everyone can get around."Since last fall, ECN has been running a monthly working group to address residents' concerns and find solutions. They've also awarded Community Mobility Grants to residents for projects that create a more equitable mobility network.On a brief afternoon drive to Kroger, Powell, one of the first ECN members to test drive the electric vehicle, said the expansion of such programs could improve citywide air quality. Whether it's helping the National Weather Service monitor rainfalls or operating a community garden, Powell is committed to her community's needs.The first time she rode in the Volt was after her Dodge Caravan needed repairs, leaving her carless for two weeks. "This is very important to our community. When such issues happen, it can be a hardship," she said. "Taking an Uber is expensive, but with this car, you can have it for a day or more until your car is fixed."Johnson hopes that as ECN continues to interest the community in electric vehicles, it can turn the Stoudamire Wellness Hub into a "mobility hub," providing various transportation options.

Detroit Public Schools Coverage

Ethan Bakuli covers Detroit public schools for its students, parents, and teachers. He previously covered race, education, housing, and inaffordability at the Burlington Free Press in Vermont. Before that, he spent nearly two years as an intern instructor at New England Public Media's Media Lab, teaching student journalists to report on topics like food insecurity and mental health.Follow Ethan to stay updated on these important stories.