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Sway Mobility and Mapless AI have launched the Corktown Carshare pilot in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, introducing a groundbreaking teleoperated electric vehicle (EV) carsharing program. This initiative, supported by the State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the Detroit Transportation Innovation Zone (TIZ), and NextEnergy, provides nearly 4,000 residents with a cost-effective and sustainable transportation option. Using remote drivers to deploy EVs autonomously, the program aims to reduce car ownership, ease traffic congestion, and lower carbon emissions. It also seeks to collect data to shape future carsharing efforts nationwide, starting with its first vehicle rollout in February 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Mapless AI’s remote driving system allows EVs to be teleoperated to high-demand areas and charging stations, enhancing accessibility.
- Affordable and Green: The program offers a cheaper alternative to owning a car, potentially saving users up to $12,000 annually, while cutting emissions.
- Community Benefits: It tackles transportation gaps in Detroit, improving access to jobs, healthcare, and essentials for residents without cars.
This pilot marks a bold step toward redefining urban mobility. Sway Mobility operates the EVs, which users can book via a mobile app, while Mapless AI’s technology ensures seamless remote operation. “Most car owners only drive their cars a few hours a week, which means many of us spend a lot of money for our cars to sit idle in a parking space or garage,” said Michael Peters, CEO & Co-Founder of Sway Mobility. The program starts small but plans to grow by adding charging depots and expanding the fleet.
The initiative also addresses broader challenges. Many Detroiters face daily hurdles due to limited car access, missing appointments or job opportunities. “Mapless AI’s cutting-edge remote driving technology is transforming the way we think about shared mobility, making carsharing more seamless, accessible, and cost-effective,” said Philipp Robbel, CEO & Co-Founder of Mapless AI. By requiring fewer vehicles to serve more people, teleoperated carsharing boosts efficiency and cuts costs.
Local leaders see it as a continuation of Detroit’s legacy. “As the birthplace of the global automotive industry, Detroit has long been an epicenter of mobility innovation,” said Tony Geara, Deputy Chief of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit. The program aligns with Michigan’s push for sustainable solutions, as noted by Justine Johnson, Michigan Chief Mobility Officer: “The Corktown Carshare program exemplifies Michigan’s leadership in pioneering innovative, sustainable mobility solutions that directly benefit our communities.”
With plans to scale, this pilot could become a blueprint for cities nationwide, promoting mobility equity and greener urban living. Learn more at the Corktown Carshare website.
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