With sales of electric vehicles rising in its automotive program, Costco is adding a place to educate customers about them.

Costco Auto Program announced it has launched its EV Marketplace to help answer Costco members’ questions about electric and hybrid vehicles and notify them about program incentives related to EVs.

In a news release, Costco said EVs accounted for more than 12 percent of new vehicle requests through Costco Auto Program in 2024, leading to its aim to provide “education, accessibility and sustainable solutions” to “increase consumer comfort and knowledge” about EVs.

“We want to make sure Costco members are confident in their buying decisions,” Costco Auto Program corporate communications director Honey Mae Kenworthy said. “EV Marketplace hosts a variety of educational articles on topics like range, charger types and public charging stations, as well as interviews with EV experts.

“They will also find the most current Costco member incentives from manufacturers on electric and hybrid vehicles to help them save on their next EV.”

In conjunction with the new platform’s debut, Costco Auto Program announced limited-time specials for members on a number of EVs, available through April 30.

The incentives include up to $1,250 on various 2024 or 2025 Chevrolet and GMC electric pickups and SUVs. Up to $3,000 on ‘24 or ‘25 Corvette E-Rays and up to $2,000 on 2025 Volvo EX90s.

Car Keys Express program expands throughout North America

Costco’s key replacement program with Car Keys Express will soon be available at more than 500 Costco locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Car Keys Express announced.

The program, which offers Costco members an alternative to dealership key replacement, is an expansion of a pilot in the Southeast U.S. that began in 2023. Over the next 12 months, Car Keys Express plans to complete its expansion to 95% of all U.S. Costco locations. The service will begin at Canadian locations in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia in May 2025, with the full rollout to 85% of all Canadian Costco stores expected to be done by the end of 2026.

“We’re bringing a simple, affordable solution to a frustrating problem to Costco members,” Car Keys Express chief commercial officer Kirk Stewart said. “Replacing a car key used to mean scheduling an appointment, waiting all day and paying a steep price at the dealership. Now members can walk into Costco and in just minutes, have their key replaced while they shop.

“This partnership is about making life easier for members, saving them time and money, and delivering the exceptional service they expect from both Costco and Car Keys Express.”

Car Keys Express said its mobile service vans are stocked with more than 600 unique SKUs and more than 1,000 keys for immediate smart key replacement of some 90% of all cars on the road today, with some limitations on very recent model years and German-made vehicles.

“Our data shows about 40% of consumers would purchase an additional key if given a convenient and affordable option,” Car Keys Express founder and CEO Mark Lanwehr said. “We’ve always prioritized meeting customers where they are, first online and now at leading retailers like Costco. Our expanding partnership with Costco allows us to reach more consumers than ever before – where they shop, while they shop.

“Our success at Costco proves, when given the opportunity, consumers are eager to embrace alternatives to the 30-year monopoly of car dealership key replacement. This strategy serves as a blueprint for continuing to lead the market by bringing unparalleled convenience to consumers while driving sustainable growth for our business.”