Communauto Atlantic: Expanding EV Access Through Carsharing in Halifax

Communauto Atlantic is helping shape a cleaner, more accessible transportation landscape in Halifax by adding electric vehicles (EVs) to its carshare network. With support from HCi3, the initiative focuses on installing EV chargers across key locations. These chargers support the introduction of EVs into the carshare fleet—making it easier for residents to experience low-emission transportation without owning a car.

These EVs will be the first to be deployed in Communauto’s Halifax fleet.  According to Tim Callanan, Branch Manager at Communauto Atlantic, the biggest barrier wasn’t public interest, it was infrastructure. “We knew people were open to trying EVs,” said Tim. “The issue was making sure they could reliably access a charger. You can’t run a shared car fleet if you’re not confident the car will be charged when someone needs it.”

Grant Award: $75,000 

To address this, Communauto identified five locations to install chargers and introduced five EVs as part of the pilot. Choosing the right sites proved to be one of the project’s most complex parts. While outdoor locations are ideal for convenience, many of them came with steep installation costs due to trenching and connection requirements. Indoor parking facilities, on the other hand, often allowed for quicker and more affordable installations due to easier access to electrical systems.

Despite those hurdles, Communauto successfully rolled out the first round of EVs and chargers fall of 2024. Early results show that users have responded well. “The EVs are getting the same kind of usage we see with gas cars,” Tim noted. “That tells us that the barrier isn’t the technology, it’s the setup and support.” To make the transition smoother for users, Communauto improved its onboarding and communication, including simplified instructions for using and charging the vehicles. These small changes helped reduce hesitation and made EVs more approachable for first-time users.

Beyond offering more sustainable transportation options, the project also aligns with broader community goals around equity and accessibility. Carsharing offers a cost-effective alternative to vehicle ownership, especially important in a city where many residents rely on public or active transportation for most of their trips. “Our members don’t necessarily want to own a car, but they need access to one occasionally. We want to make sure the options they have are climate-friendly,” said Tim.

Looking ahead, Communauto Atlantic hopes this pilot lays the groundwork for a wider EV rollout. Expanding charger availability, especially in areas underserved by EV infrastructure remains a top priority. As they evaluate the success of this project, the organization is also keeping an eye on partnerships that could help scale the impact, including collaborations with other building owners, developers, and municipalities.

By lowering the barriers to EV access and offering practical, real-world use cases, Communauto’s initiative is helping to normalize electric vehicle use in Halifax. The project is not just about switching out cars, it’s about building confidence, changing habits, and creating a more sustainable transportation system that works for everyone. Communauto is also offering a more climate-conscious choice, one trip at a time.