Maven, a carsharing service owned by General Motors (GM), offers a convenient alternative to traditional car ownership and rentals. This guide explores Maven’s services, availability, costs, and overall user experience, providing valuable insights for those considering this carsharing option.
What is Maven Carsharing and How Does it Work?
Launched in 2016, Maven allows users to rent GM vehicles by the hour or day, picking them up from designated parking spots within urban areas. This eliminates the costs associated with car ownership, such as monthly payments and maintenance, and simplifies the rental process compared to traditional agencies like Avis or Hertz.
Maven also offers peer-to-peer carsharing, enabling owners of relatively new GM vehicles (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac) to rent out their personal cars through the Maven app. Owners set their rates within Maven’s guidelines and share the profits with the company.
Additionally, Maven Gig caters to rideshare and delivery drivers, providing rental vehicles for those working with services like Uber or Lyft.
General Motors Maven car sharing
Maven’s Availability and Operational Cities
Currently, Maven operates in a limited number of North American cities: Ann Arbor and Detroit (Michigan), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Toronto (Canada). This reduced footprint reflects a strategic shift from its previous presence in 17 cities, focusing on markets with higher demand and growth potential. This trend of scaling back carsharing operations is also seen with other automakers, such as BMW and Daimler.
Getting Started with Maven: The Rental Process
To use Maven, download the app (available on iOS and Android) and create a profile. A valid driver’s license is required for verification, which can take from a few minutes to two days. The Maven app locates nearby available cars, manages reservations, and allows users to lock/unlock doors, honk the horn, and start the engine remotely. A physical key fob is still necessary to drive the vehicle.
Rental rates include insurance and a full tank of gas, but tolls are not covered. A base mileage allowance is provided, with additional per-mile charges applied for exceeding the limit. Cars must be returned to their original pickup location with a minimum fuel or charge level.
General Motors Maven car sharing app
Renting Out Your Car with Maven: The Peer-to-Peer Program
For peer-to-peer carsharing, owners must schedule a vehicle inspection with a Maven technician. Maven provides a substantial insurance policy, covers onboard Wi-Fi and OnStar services, and offers an optional keyless access installation. Maven retains a percentage of the rental earnings, and potential income varies based on the car model and rental frequency.
Maven’s Vehicle Selection and Features
As a GM brand, Maven exclusively offers GM vehicles. The available models typically include higher-end options with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.
Maven car sharing Chevrolet Bolt EV in Los Angeles
Maven’s Pricing Structure and Costs
Hourly rates can start as low as $8 (plus taxes), but the actual cost depends on the location and vehicle type. Mileage overages incur additional fees. Unlike some other carsharing services, Maven doesn’t charge application or subscription fees.
Maven User Experience and Review
Based on past testing, Maven offers a more streamlined rental experience than traditional agencies. The pickup process is simple, and the inclusion of amenities like Wi-Fi enhances the overall user experience. Rental rates are generally competitive with other carsharing options.
General Motors Maven car sharing
The Future of Maven and Carsharing
The future of automaker-operated carsharing services remains uncertain, given the scaling back by companies like GM, BMW, and Daimler. However, GM’s Cruise division is developing self-driving technology, which could potentially integrate with Maven in the future, transforming the carsharing landscape.
