TechCrunch Startup News Zevo’s EV-only car-share fleet is helping Tesla owners make money
Jun 16, 2025
Explore Zevo, a fresh peer-to-peer car-sharing startup focused exclusively on electric vehicles. The founders discuss how it aims to empower Tesla owners to monetize their cars. Learn about their automated rental process, designed for efficiency. They also touch on their bootstrap model, which challenges the status quo in traditional car rentals. It's a fascinating look at the future of car sharing in the EV space!
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Cher's Origin Story
- Cher was inspired by Elon Musk's 2019 promise about Tesla robo-taxis but launched Zevo after Musk did not deliver.
- Zevo was born in 2021 as a peer-to-peer EV-only car-sharing startup focused on practical vehicle monetization.
Gig Workers Drive Demand
- Zevo targets gig workers as primary renters, fulfilling a niche in ride and delivery needs.
- Most renters use Zevo EVs for platforms like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash, revealing gig economy demand.
Bootstrapping Benefits
- Zevo deliberately avoided heavy VC funding to prioritize sustainable growth over rapid spending.
- This focus has allowed more money to be paid to vehicle owners compared to competitors like Turo.