Vancouver, B.C., Canada – The first in Canada for carsharing outside of Toronto, Modo The Car Co-op introduces a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to its fleet.
Modo, the not-for-profit carshare, purchased a conversion kit for one of its hybrid vehicles with a Vancity Community Projects Grant. Canada’s largest credit union has been focused on being a carbon neutral organization since 2006 and felt that Modo’s vision for sustainable transportation was perfectly aligned with its own climate action priorities.
“We have a long-standing commitment to help keep emissions low and we continue to be focused on reducing our carbon footprint,” said Ross Lambert, Vancity Kitsilano Community Branch Manager. “Fifty-one per cent of Vancity employees commute to work using alternative transportation, it’s a perfect fit for us to support Modo’s vision and bring the Kitsilano community together towards reducing traffic congestion and point-source emissions.”
The PHEV, a Toyota Prius, is located at the Vancity Kitsilano Community Branch at West Broadway and Waterloo. The branch provided a dedicated parking stall equipped with a charging station for Modo.
“We’re very grateful for Vancity’s generosity,” says Tanya Paz, Modo’s Business Development Director. “Vancity has been supportive of us from our beginnings and this type of co-operation among co-ops is great for our economy and our community. Thanks to this partnership, we have a car that can mainly run on electricity and use gasoline as a back up fuel.
“The PHEV will be a great way for our members, including Vancity employees, to get used to plugging in. As more charging infrastructure becomes available, Modo can add electric vehicles to our fleet.”
The PHEV is available to all of Modo’s 7,500+ members. It’s not what you drive; it’s what you share.