Electric Carshare
Light City Carshare
About this Project
Light City Carshare is an electric vehicle sharing system, bringing a convenient, affordable, sustainable, clean transportation option to Buffalo, starting on the East Side.
The goal is straightforward: connect people with 24/7 access to electric vehicles that get them where they need to go while supporting a cleaner, healthier, stronger community.
The Light City Carshare program is directly informed by a successful beta program that welcomed community insights, the testing of vehicle and system technologies, and insights into member and driver experiences. This beta phase built a strong foundation for the program’s full rollout and its partnership with the community.
Light City Carshare is a membership-based program for anyone 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and payment card. To become a member, residents download the free ZEV app, register, complete an orientation, and begin booking Light City EVs.
Reservations are available by the hour or day for up to 24 hours. Rates are $5 per hour and $40 per day, with an added $0.45 per mile beyond 150 miles. Insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance are included. Vehicles are charged at pickup and accessible via smartphone.
Light City launches from three East Side locations: Tri-Main Center, Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT), and True Bethel Baptist Church. Each station provides dedicated parking with 24/7 access.
About Light City Carshare
Established as a Clean Mobility Buffalo iniative—funded by NYSERDA under the New York Clean Transportation Prizes Program—Light City Carshare operations are powered through a strategic partnership with ZEV, and built on the national co-op’s trusted technology platform. Buffalo’s newest, community-owned, all-electric carshare brings convenient, affordable, sustainable, clean transportation to the East Side.

