In a member survey last month, more than 80% of the respondents voiced support for the addition of electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and alternative fuel vehicles to the fleet. Zipcar is looking for ways to increase the percentage of these types of vehicles in the fleet in 2009.

The pilot program and partnership with the city will provide existing and new Zipcar members with an easy, convenient and cost-effective way to test drive PHEVs, helping the City and Zipcar both gauge interest and use of EVs and PHEVs.

The plug-in hybrid for the San Francisco Zipcar fleet is a Toyota Prius converted with the Hymotion L5 Plug-In Conversion Module (PCM) provided by A123Systems. The addition of the Hymotion L5 PCM battery provides the Prius with up to 30 - 40 miles of electrically assisted driving on a single charge from the utility grid.

Zipcar’s car sharing service provides members with on-demand access to a diverse fleet of vehicles conveniently located throughout major metropolitan areas. To use the service, members reserve a vehicle online or via a mobile device, use a smartcard to open the doors, take their trip, and then return the car at the end of the reservation. An hourly or daily fee covers gas, insurance, maintenance, parking and 24-7 emergency service.