Press Release: New location for publicly accessible solar-powered electric vehicle

PRESS RELEASE
Saskatchewan Environmental Society
January 27, 2020
For immediate release

New location for publicly accessible solar-powered electric vehicle

On January 27, 2020, the Renewable Rides team unveiled the new permanent location for a 100% solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) in a public car-share, in the Brainsport parking lot (616 10th St. E. in Saskatoon). Renewable Rides is an innovative program in which the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES) has added solar-powered electric vehicles to the Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative’s fleet of cars. This is the first of its kind in Canada: a car-share program, with electric vehicles, powered by 100% solar energy, available to all.

The Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative (SCC) has been servicing the Nutana neighbourhood since 2013, and is excited about the EV’s move to an accessible location just off Broadway. “I live and work in the Broadway area, so I am very pleased about the new location for this vehicle. The Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative makes it easy for me to choose public and active forms of transportation, rather than owning my own vehicle. This means I can save money and reduce my dependence on fossil fuels. Hopefully the central location of this EV will inspire others to join the SCC too! And big thanks to Brainsport,” said Davida Bentham, SCC member.

“Since we opened our doors in 1991, community involvement has been a top priority and a core tenant of our existence,” said Brian Michasiw of Brainsport. “In all of our initiatives we aim to create an open and inviting environment for all people who love to run, walk and live a healthy lifestyle. Supporting sustainable transportation is just an extension of that. We hope people will come out and try the car and maybe stop in to Brainsport to check out our shoes and clothes for active transportation.”

In addition to the SCC, the SES is pleased to partner with the SES Solar Co-operative, Sun Country Highway, Saskatoon Light & Power, Saskatchewan Research Council, Exa Energy, Radiance Co-housing, Affinity Credit Union, Wardell Gillis Law, and the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada to bring this unique project to fruition. Our Renewable Rides team members are providing various elements to the project, including financial support and in-kind contributions.