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ZEV CO‑OP debuts electric car‑share and charging station at Des Moines Marina; ribbon cutting Jan. 22

2102844 · January 11, 2025
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Summary

ZEV CO‑OP, a nonprofit zero‑emissions vehicle cooperative, has installed an electric vehicle and charging station at the Des Moines Marina and plans a ribbon cutting on Jan. 22; the cooperative said it offers subsidized rates for qualifying low‑income users and seeks to expand sites regionally.

ZEV CO‑OP representatives briefed the City Council on Jan. 9 about a newly installed station and electric vehicle at the Des Moines Marina.

What ZEV CO‑OP said Julian Thorne, customer experience manager and outreach lead for ZEV CO‑OP, described the organization as a nonprofit community car share operating all‑electric vehicles with an emphasis on transportation equity. ZEV said it provides insurance, maintenance, charging and reservation technology, offers hourly and daily rates and a subsidized program for people on public‑aid programs. “We are a transportation equity focused, nonprofit,” Thorne told council.

Local setup and cost - ZEV currently places one car and a charging station at the Des Moines Marina site; the organization said the installation and the vehicle were provided at no cost to the city. Harbour staff confirmed minimal ongoing electrical cost to the marina. - ZEV said current market‑rate users typically pay an equivalent of about $16 per hour or $128 per day, while discounted/co‑op member pricing can lower hourly rates; a one‑time co‑op membership fee was cited as $500 in the presentation for discounted usage options.

Community context and next steps Harbormaster Scott Wilkins said the marina will host a ribbon cutting on Jan. 22 and encouraged council members to attend. Council members asked about data sharing and reporting of usage; ZEV said it can provide usage reports and that the organization plans to scale to additional sites and add vehicles where demand warrants. Council also discussed business licensing and B&O tax questions; staff said ZEV will follow local business licensing rules and tax obligations.

Why it matters The station expands local access to electric vehicles for short‑term use, supports marina activation and integrates with the city’s broader marina electrification and transit initiatives.