Seattle City Wire

On June 17, members of the community came to the Estelita’s Library Juneteenth Celebration to enjoy food, music, a book swap, and unveil ZEV co-op’s new electric ADA carshare van — the first of its kind in Washington state.

Estelita’s Library is a justice-focused community bookstore and library in Seattle’s Central District. The event was hosted in partnership with ZEV co-op, a community-owned electric carshare company, and supported by Seattle City Light and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

Near Estelita’s Library, City Light completed the installation of a Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, the first in the Central District. The new van, as well as other electric vehicles in the area, will be able to enjoy curbside charging access. More information on the Curbside Level 2 EV charging pilot is available, as well as a map showing current and proposed fast and Level 2 chargers.

ZEV co-op worked with SDOT to receive a designated space carshare permit to host the van at the new City Light curbside charger. The van will provide community members with equitable access to electric transportation.

The unveiling of ZEV co-op’s new electric ADA carshare van highlights the importance of accessible transportation options for all members of our community and supports one of Seattle’s Transportation Electrification Blueprint goals, that 100 percent of shared mobility is zero emissions.

Having the unveiling coincide with a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States is no coincidence. The freedom that comes through transportation was a key theme for the event, and Estelita’s Library said this on Instagram:

At the event, City of Seattle representatives shared information and resources on this theme. SDOT shared information about accessing discounted fares for scooter and bike share and details on how to access a free helmet by visiting Seattle Customer Service Centers. Staff also provided information on transit access and distributed free ORCA cards to youth. City Light shared information about transportation electrification, career and internship opportunities, the utility discount program, and emergency bill assistance program. 

City Light and SDOT are proud to have participated in this event. It not only generated publicity for Estelita’s Library, programs, and ZEV co-op’s carshare van, but also it engaged the broader community in supporting accessible transportation options for all. As more EV charging stations come online, we hope other organizations look to this collaboration for inspiration on what the power of electrified transportation brings to our communities. 

Original source can be found here.