The new program offers a way for EV-interested users to “try it before you buy it.” The company plans to extend the range of EVs included, including Chevy Bolts and Nissan LEAFs. Pictured here is John F. Possumato, founder of DriveItAway Holdings Inc.
Photo: DriveItAway
DriveItAway Holdings, Inc., a dealer-focused mobility platform, announced the launch of an electric vehicle subscription to ownership program with the Polestar 2. The service allows consumers or fleets to try driving a new luxury EV vehicle before commiting to an outright purchase.
“We found that many people are hesitant to make a commitment to buy a brand new EV,” said John F. Possumato, founder & CEO of DriveItAway. “We designed the program so that anyone can immediately drive a Polestar 2 with no commitment to purchase, in a fast, easy, and inexpensive way with the vehicle subscription managed entirely through our mobile app. Turnkey and complete, our program includes insurance, maintenance, and delivery right to your door.”
Commercial and corporate fleets are encouraged to try out the program. Part of the value for fleets is trying out the EV subscription without interfering with existing lease programs. “With an optional buy out, it’s the best of an open-ended lease, but without the obligation to eat the residual,” Possumato said.
For those that try it and like it, a portion of the subscription fees goes toward the purchase price of the vehicle. The driver has the right, but not the obligation, to buy the vehicle he or she is driving, with the money given back as a bonus coupon.
And since Polestar has a six-month waiting list, fleets can gain immediate access to the vehicles through the DriveItAway program.
It also provides new EV manufacturers and legacy OEMs a new distribution channel for their vehicles, with an “infinite test drive” to a full range of consumers to satisfy a market that is “EV curious” but may not want to make an immediate commitment to purchase, the announcement said.
Elena Ciccotelli, automotive partnerships manager at Lyft, recently chose a new Polestar 2 through the DriveItAway program, and reported finding an additional benefit. “Used car values are sky high right now, so I was eager to sell my used car for top dollar,” Ciccotelli says, “but I didn’t want to buy a new vehicle right now during the car shortage, with limited selection and high prices. I also very much support Lyft’s pledge to be 100% EV by 2030, so I made the commitment that my next vehicle would be EV zero emissions. It’s a great way to get green by going green.”
DriveItAway’s EV subscription program is starting its launch in the greater Philadelphia/New Jersey area with the Polestar 2, but will soon offer a full range of EVs, including Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUVs, Nissan Leafs and even Ford Escape Plug In Hybrids, throughout the United States.
“The future is zero emission vehicles,” Possumato said, “and the future of consumer EV adoption is propelled by a flexible subscription with optional ownership, with the money paid in applied toward the purchase.”
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet