Hourcar to shut down after 20 years, ending Evie carshare service

Hourcar to shut down after 20 years, ending Evie carshare service Sabrina Salguero Del Cid KSTP (KSTP) A Twin Cities electric car-sharing service will shut down on Thursday, citing financial challenges.After 20 years, Hourcar said it will end its operations at noon, bringing Evie carshare service in Minneapolis and St. Paul to a close. The nonprofit operated Evie and said the vehicles will no longer be available after Thursday.RELATED: Minneapolis, St. Paul announce electric vehicle carshare fleetWhat led to this?The nonprofit said rising vehicle insurance costs, higher operating expenses, and reduced federal support created a funding gap of about $625,000. Hourcar said it was pursuing funding commitments, cutting costs, and exploring alternatives.“Until recently, we believed we could solve the funding challenge without disrupting service,” the organization said.Hourcar said its closure will affect roughly 4,000 active members.The EV Spot Network, an electric vehicle charging station collaboration between Evie, Xcel Energy and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, will remain active.Meanwhile, the nonprofit is still encouraging people to donate and contact public officials to help address the funding gap.For more information, click here.ALSO SEE: Rising fuel costs push some Twin Cities residents to car-sharing options