The Maven Gig program, launched by GM mobility platform Maven, represents a pioneering effort in the electrification of ride-hailing fleets across major U.S. cities. This initiative targeted high-mileage, shared-use vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption among commercial drivers.
Fleet and Infrastructure
- EV Fleet Deployment
Maven Gig introduced approximately 1,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs across seven major cities: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, and Washington, DC. The initial California rollout included ~50 EVs in Los Angeles, ~40 in San Diego, and ~100 in San Francisco. - Charging Infrastructure
The program relied primarily on public DC fast charging, partnering with EVgo to offer drivers unlimited fast charging as part of their weekly rental fee. By August 2018, Maven Gig EVs had completed 223,000 DC fast charging events, consuming 6.59 million kWh. Most drivers did not have home charging access, making public infrastructure essential.
Key Figures and Impact
- Rental Model:
Bolt EVs were offered at a flat weekly rate (starting at $229/week), which included unlimited miles, maintenance, insurance, and charging. This model eliminated the high upfront cost barrier for drivers and provided predictable operating expenses. - Utilization and Exposure:
The high demand for Bolt EVs on the Maven Gig platform resulted in longer rental periods compared to gasoline vehicles. The program also exposed thousands of drivers and passengers to EVs, advancing broader consumer adoption and providing valuable real-world data on high-mileage EV use.
Operational Benefits
- Cost Savings:
Unlimited charging at public fast chargers was included in the rental, significantly reducing fuel costs for drivers. The predictable, all-inclusive rental fee simplified budgeting and encouraged high utilization. - Maintenance:
Although specific per-mile maintenance costs are not disclosed, EVs generally have lower maintenance requirements than internal combustion vehicles, especially in high-mileage applications
- Vehicle Utilization:
Bolt EVs were among the most popular vehicles on the Maven Gig platform, consistently rented for longer durations and higher daily mileages than their gasoline counterparts
Lessons Learned and Opportunities
- Charging Infrastructure is Critical:
The availability of fast charging was the primary factor limiting expansion. Maven Gig’s deployment strategy aligned closely with the density of fast charging in each city. One fast charger could typically support 10–12 vehicles per day in high-mileage, shared-use settings.
- Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaboration with utilities and charging providers (e.g., EVgo, Eversource) was essential for expanding charging infrastructure and ensuring reliable access for drivers.
- Business Model Sustainability:
The rental model, with charging included, proved effective in supporting high utilization and reducing barriers for drivers, especially those with limited capital or no home charging options.
Broader Impacts
- Equity and Access:
By offering EVs for rent to ride-hail and delivery drivers, Maven Gig expanded access to electric mobility for a broader cross-section of society, including those who could not afford to purchase an EV outright.
- Market Development:
The program’s high utilization rates and demand for public charging helped demonstrate the need for further infrastructure investment, supporting the business case for charging providers and encouraging additional deployments.
Future Directions
- Dedicated Charging Hubs:
In 2018, Maven and EVgo announced plans to build dedicated DC fast charging hubs for Maven Gig drivers, aiming to further reduce downtime and support continued fleet electrification.
- Expansion:
Maven Gig planned to continue investing in EV fleet growth and infrastructure partnerships, with new deployments in cities like New York and Denver as part of the EV Shared Mobility project.
Opportunities for Fleet Managers
- Prioritize High-Utilization Vehicles: Focus on electrifying vehicles with the highest daily mileage to maximize operational savings and emissions reductions.
- Leverage Rental and Partnership Models: Use rental programs and partnerships with charging providers to lower barriers for drivers and ensure predictable operating costs.
- Advocate for Infrastructure Expansion: Work with local governments, utilities, and private partners to expand fast charging networks, which are essential for high-mileage commercial EV use.
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