Increasing Electric Vehicle Accessibility in St. Louis with GoForth’s EV Carsharing Program

Increasing Electric Vehicle Accessibility in St. Louis Through GoForth’s EV Carsharing Program

Electric vehicles (EVs) have typically been out of reach for many, but a new community carsharing program is changing that, bringing clean, affordable transportation options to underserved communities across the U.S. The Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP), a nationwide initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is introducing EVs to affordable housing locations in eight states. With test runs of the program happening in Oregon, Washington, and New Mexico, the next stop in their expansion is right here in St. Louis, Missouri.

GoForth, a partner in this effort, provides the EV carsharing services through an easy-to-use platform. The model is simple: users can access a network of vehicles for short-term rental with just a few steps on the GoForth app, allowing people to view where cars are located, make reservations, and enjoy the convenience of reliable, eco-friendly transport. AMP’s goal is to bring these low-cost EVs to underserved communities, working alongside utilities and local community organizations to ensure accessibility.

How Does GoForth Carsharing Work?
Carsharing with GoForth makes getting around easy and affordable, especially for those who may not own a vehicle or are looking for eco-friendly options. Here’s how it works:

  1. Download the MDO Carshare App from the App Store or Google Play. You can also create an account or make bookings in a web browser.
  2. Register Your Account: You’ll need to enter your driver’s license and make bookings with a credit, debit or prepaid card. You need to be 21+ to register. Once registered, a one-time fee of $10 will be charged to your payment card.
  3. Receive Approval & Credit: Once approved, a $20 ride credit will be added to your account. It may take 3-5 business days to process your application.
  4. Onboarding Call: You will receive an email to schedule a call with a staff member, which will take approximatel 20 minutes.
  5. Reserve Your Ride: Find a car nearby, reserve it on the MDO app for a time that suits you.
  6. Unlock the vehicle with the MDO Carshare app and drive.
  7. Return the vehicle to the parking spot after your trip and plug it in

With AMP’s support, GoForth offers budget-friendly rates, including your first four-hour ride free. After that, rentals are only $4-$5 per hour (plus tax), providing significant savings over traditional car rental or ownership.

Why EV Carsharing Matters for St. Louis
The arrival of AMP and GoForth in St. Louis means more than just convenient transportation; it’s about bringing sustainable, equitable options to the people who need them most. By offering free, no-contact, no-pressure, self-service EV test drives, AMP supports underserved communities in reducing both transportation costs and environmental impact.

GoForth Carsharing can be found at the following locations:

  • Murphy Park: 1920 Cass Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
  • McCormack House: 4575 Cadet Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
  • Renaissance Place: 1001 N Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106
  • Belleville Library: 121 E. Washington St. Belleville, IL 62221
  • Urban League: 1408 Kingshighway Blvd Suite 108, St. Louis, MO 63113

AMP’s St. Louis launch marks a key moment in expanding access to electric vehicles, building a future where green transportation is not just a luxury but a reality for everyone. Learn more about the program here!

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