New electric car-share club is first in country

SOLIHULL has launched an electric car sharing scheme thought to be the first in Britain.

The E-Car Club initiative will put 18 entirely electric Renault ZOEs at the disposal of local residents.

Cars in the fleet will be available to hire for periods of between one hour and up to several days at a time.

The club, backed by Solihull Council, Solihull Community Housing and EIT Climate-KIC, which supports the move to a zero-carbon economy, was launched in Castle Bromwich.

Solihull councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport and highways, who had the chance to get behind the wheel, said: “It gives people the opportunity to use this type of transport.

“We are trying to encourage the use of electric vehicles. We have got a respon- sibility to improve the environment and improve air quality and this club demonstrates what we are trying to do as an authority.”

The club has been billed as “completely self-service”, with registered members being able to book online or via their smartphone and pick up vehicles 24 hours a day. North Solihull was seen as an ideal fit for the scheme because of the high number of residents who have a licence but don’t own a car. It is hoped it will pave the way for other clubs around Britain.

Russell Fenner, head of innovation at E-Car Club, believed that public interest in electric vehicles was growing as understanding improved.

“It’s getting away from the thought process of needing to go to the petrol station,” he said.