South El Monte launched a new electric vehicle initiative this past weekend with the introduction of SGV Carshare, a community-focused transportation program developed to expand mobility access while reducing emissions. SGV Carshare, funded through a $1.5 million investment from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), provides low-cost rental access to six electric vehicles.
Backed by CARB’s Cap-and-Trade dollars, this pilot initiative was created in partnership with ActiveSGV, the Energy Coalition, Mobility Development Options, the Shared-Use Mobility Center, and the nonprofit Shared Mobility Network. The program is designed to serve San Gabriel Valley residents, particularly those without regular access to a personal vehicle.
All-Electric Fleet for Everyday Needs
The SGV Carshare fleet includes Chevy Bolts and Hyundai Konas, available for rent by the day or week. Users can reserve vehicles through the SGV Carshare mobile app, which is now live in app stores. Pricing is $40 per day or $220 per week, with a $20 registration fee. All participants must undergo a driving record review before approval.
Hourly rates will be added once EV charging stations are installed at the South El Monte Civic Center. The new infrastructure will serve both car-share users and the general public, supporting the city’s broader clean transportation goals.
Environmental and Community Impact
At the launch event, held outside the South El Monte Community Center, CARB board member Hector De La Torre described the environmental advantages of electric car-sharing.
“This is for people to get around, to run their errands, but it’s also, at the same time, zero emissions, so it’s clean, green transportation for folks,” said De La Torre.
In addition to reducing emissions, De La Torre pointed out the program’s potential to reduce vehicle miles traveled, a key metric in statewide efforts to meet climate targets.
City Councilmember Manuel Acosta emphasized that SGV Carshare will also improve access to transportation for residents without a personal vehicle.
“It will allow people that live in our city that don’t have the luxuries of having vehicles to be able to move around as easily [as those with cars],” said Acosta. “This is probably the best benefit, giving some of those residents the ability to just show up and take it for a day, whether it’s groceries or going to the doctor or going somewhere that’s a little further away.”
SGV Carshare Backed by State Programs
SGV Carshare is open to all San Gabriel Valley residents, and city officials hope it becomes a model for neighboring communities. Program partners say the service aims to offer both environmental and economic benefits by cutting transportation costs for households and promoting equitable access.
The project was also supported by the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program (CMO), a statewide initiative administered by CALSTART in partnership with the Shared-Use Mobility Center and CivicWell. It aligns with the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, which is investing more than $1 billion in zero-emission infrastructure and workforce development.
Residents interested in enrolling can download the SGV Carshare app or visit SGVcarshare.org for more details on how to apply.
Sources: ActiveSGV, City of South El Monte, Streetsblog LA, contributed to this story
