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Businesses looking to convert their fleets to electric vehicles typically face millions of dollars in costs to cover new vehicles and charging stations — not to mention the time it takes to make the transition.
But Inglewood-based Zeem Solutions allows companies to operate zero-emission trucks, vans and shuttle buses for a flat monthly fee. That covers vehicle leasing, charging, maintenance, parking and insurance, as well as a lounge where drivers can rest or eat lunch.
The switch lowers fuel costs — particularly amid the current gas price spike — while also improving air quality, the company touts. And it comes at a lower cost than owning and operating a gas or diesel fleet.
Zeem’s prices vary depending on fleet size and the type of vehicles used. A company that operates box trucks (typically 10 to 26 feet in length), for example, would pay $4,000 per vehicle per month. That price could vary slightly depending on options, such as adding a lift gate, the company said.
Founded in 2018, Zeem has already contracted with several Southern California companies, including Starline Tours. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Zeem Solutions allows companies to operate zero-emission trucks, vans and shuttle buses for a flat monthly fee. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Paul Gioupis, CEO of Zeem Solutions, allows companies to operate zero-emission trucks, vans and shuttle buses for a flat monthly fee, in Inglewood on Monday, July 11, 2022. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Zeem is looking to expand its operations using a $50 million capital commitment from infrastructure and energy investor Arclight Capital Partners LLC. The investment firm has a track record of investing in businesses and assets that contribute to a decarbonized future.
Zeem co-founder and CEO Paul Gioupis said many businesses would like to use EVs but are deterred by up-front costs and the time it takes to make the switch to an emissions-free fleet.
“That’s the leading deterrent,” he said. “And there’s more money involved when you get into all of the infrastructure costs.”
Founded in 2018, Zeem has already contracted with several Southern California companies, including Starline Tours. Starline operates double-decker buses that take visitors to tourist spots along with other vehicles that ferry them past the homes of Hollywood celebrities.
Starline Chairman Kami Farhadi said the company is gradually transitioning its fleet of gas-powered vehicles to EVs. Starline operated nearly 120 vehicles before the COVID-19 pandemic but reduced its fleet as business fell off during the outbreak. The company still has 100 vehicles on hand, although only 30 are currently in operation.
“This will be a very positive step for us and for the future of the environment,” Farhadi said. He didn’t indicate how many EVs the company ultimately plans to have on hand.
Zeem also launched an LAX-based depot, which includes nearly 100 commercial, electric vehicles, 77 fast-charging ports and 53 Level 2 chargers. At full capacity, it will be the largest private, commercial EV charging facility in the U.S., the company said.
The company also offers “opportunity charging,” which allows businesses not directly contracted with Zeem to charges their EVs at Zeem charging stations
Much of Zeem’s expansion will be fueled by its partnership with LAZ Parking Realty Investors, a division of LAZ Parking, which operates more than 3,500 parking facilities in 39 states.
The partnership will allow Zeem to co-develop new charging and service depot locations as part of an aggressive growth strategy. The charging stations and depots will be located in existing LAZ parking structures or in new add-on facilities.
Through the partnership, LPRI will become an equity partner in Zeem.
“As an expert in commercial infrastructure, we provide a critical component to help scale Zeem Solutions’ model nationwide,” said Alan Lazowski, chairman and CEO of LAZ Parking.
Zeem deals with electric vehicle manufacturers throughout China and Europe, which supply the EVs Zeem provides to its business customers.
“We buy the vehicles and let our customers test drive them,” Gioupis said. “Once they lease them they are parked in secure areas and we do all of the cleaning at night. We do everything from A to Z.”
The company, staffed by 30 employees, has plans for more California locations in Orange County and the Bay Area and will be hiring as it continues to expand.
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