Twin Cities residents who rely on HOURCAR and Evie for affordable, convenient transportation are facing a major change. Both car-sharing services are scheduled to shut down at noon on October 15, 2026, ending a program that has served the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for about two decades. Rising insurance costs and funding challenges contributed to the decision, leaving members with important questions about reservations, refunds, and charging stations. Here are five things members need to know before the services close.
HOURCAR and Evie Will End Service on October 15
Twin Cities residents who rely on shared cars for errands, commuting, and medical appointments will soon need to find another way to get around. HOURCAR’s board has announced that operations will end at noon on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The closure affects both HOURCAR’s hub-based car-sharing service and Evie Carshare, which allows members to pick up and drop off vehicles within designated areas. The nonprofit has served the Twin Cities for about 20 years and has more than 4,000 active members. Its departure will remove an option for people who want access to a vehicle without the expense of owning one. Members should plan alternative transportation arrangements before the deadline, particularly if they regularly depend on these services for essential trips.
Reservations After October 15 Will Be Canceled
Anyone who has already booked a HOURCAR or Evie vehicle for a trip after the shutdown date will need to make other arrangements. The organization has confirmed that all reservations scheduled beyond October 15 will be canceled because vehicles will no longer be available through its services. This could affect members who have arranged transportation for work commitments, appointments, shopping trips, or weekend plans. Members should review their upcoming bookings and avoid relying on an existing reservation to provide transportation after the deadline. If a planned trip falls after the shutdown, arranging a rental car, using public transportation, or exploring other local mobility options may help prevent last-minute disruptions. The key detail is that the shutdown takes effect at noon on October 15, so members should also pay attention to the timing of any trip scheduled for that day.
Members Can Request Refunds for Annual Verification Fees
Members who recently paid HOURCAR’s annual account verification fee have an opportunity to request their money back following the closure announcement. The organization introduced the fee as part of a requirement to recheck members’ motor vehicle records under updated insurance requirements. Following the shutdown decision, HOURCAR confirmed that members can submit a refund request through its designated online form. The refund is not automatic. Members must complete the request form if they want their verification fee returned. Anyone who does not submit a request will have the payment treated as a charitable contribution, according to the organization’s announcement. Members who recently paid the fee should therefore review the official closure notice and follow its instructions rather than assume the money will be refunded automatically. This is a separate issue from trip charges or other account balances, so members with additional billing questions may need to contact HOURCAR directly.
Rising Insurance Costs and Reduced Funding Led to the Shutdown
The decision to close HOURCAR and Evie reflects mounting financial pressures rather than a simple decline in interest in car-sharing services. HOURCAR reported that rising vehicle insurance premiums, higher operating expenses, and reductions in anticipated federal support created a serious funding shortfall. The nonprofit had pursued fundraising, cost-cutting measures, and support from foundation and corporate partners, but those efforts did not resolve the immediate financial problem. Local governments also contributed funding, yet the available assistance was not enough to sustain operations. The organization reported a funding gap of approximately $625,000 in its closure announcement, while broader reporting described a deficit of around $1.1 million. These figures refer to different financial measures and should not be treated as interchangeable. The closure illustrates the challenges facing transportation nonprofits that must cover vehicle, insurance, staffing, and operating costs while keeping services affordable for their members.
EV Spot Charging Stations Will Remain Open After Evie Closes
The end of Evie Carshare does not mean Twin Cities drivers will lose access to the public EV Spot charging network. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul own and operate the charging stations, while HOURCAR operates the car-sharing service associated with the network. City officials have confirmed that EV Spot charging will continue after October 15, even though Evie vehicles will no longer be available through the program. This distinction is important for people who own electric vehicles and use the public chargers independently of Evie. Drivers should still check charging-station availability and any applicable operating information before making a trip, but the closure of the car-sharing service does not itself end the charging program. For EV owners, the continued operation of these stations provides some continuity amid a major change to the region’s shared-mobility options.
