A NEW electric car sharing scheme could be introduced in low-income areas as Solihull council attempts to boost its green credentials.
The project called InclusivEV is currently being developed to introduce 30 electric vehicles in the north of the borough this summer.
This will be accompanied by around nine charging points – for which a number of sites have been earmarked.
The three-year scheme is intended to provide electric cars to low-income communities for which the technology can often be inaccessible.
Residents will be able to rent cars on yearly or monthly membership or daily and hourly rental rates.
Hourly rates could be lower than £9.
A Solihull council officers report to the economic development and managed growth scrutiny board outlines the council’s approach to rolling out electric vehicle technology.
The report states: “Aside from the wider environmental benefits of EV deployment, InclusivEV seeks to promote a number of social benefits.
“In areas where the cost of private car ownership can be disproportionately expensive, access to a car club provides choice and flexibility alongside existing public transport provision.”
The project is being run by Cenex in partnership with E-Car Club (a subsidiary of Europcar) who have secured €1.8million (£1.6million) of European funding to deliver the project.
The report says the up-front cost of the charging infrastructure will be paid for by the council (estimated to be around £50,000) and reclaimed from Cenex and E-Car Club over the three year life of the project.
Councillor Ian Courts, cabinet member for managed growth and deputy leader, said: “Solihull has exciting and ambitious plans for growth.
“The borough’s transport strategy, Solihull Connected, sets out our ambitions for a step change in transport investment to support the growth agenda with enhanced connectivity and better places for people.
“Importantly, this includes increased emphasis on achieving a low carbon future.
“The focus on electric vehicles is a key component in maximising the benefits for Solihull of the global shift to clean growth. “Through a unique combination of location, growth opportunities and partnerships, there is an opportunity for Solihull to be at the forefront of stimulating low-carbon growth in the West Midlands and beyond.
“Increased uptake in electric vehicles (EV) forms a key part of this low-carbon growth and significant investment is being channelled into developing EV technology and associated infrastructure through Transport for West Midlands and UK Central.”
