A NEW low emission, low cost, electric car sharing scheme is being introduced in north Solihull – while the council has confirmed a series of community consultation events.
The events will run throughout August and are designed to explain to residents how they can become part of the ‘self-service electric car club’.
The council said the InclusivEV project will see 30 electric vehicles become available in the Autumn.
The vehicles will be accompanied by 15 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.
But the project will initially run as a pilot which the council describes as a pay-as-you-go, no subscription fee, 24/7 car club.
The scheme is being run by Cenex in partnership with E-Car Club (a subsidiary of Europcar) who has secured €1.8million (£1.6million) of European funding to deliver the project.
The council has been working with Solihull Community Housing to explore ways to encourage use of the new facilities.
The council says costs will depend on the size of the scheme and the take-up – the greater the take-up, the lower the cost to the individual.
People living in the following flat blocks are invited to find out more at community consultation events – and tell Cenex and Solihull Community Housing if they would be interested:
– Tuesday 7 August 3 – 5pm Mansfield House
– Wednesday 8 August 3 – 5pm Pembroke House
– Tuesday 14 August 3 – 5pm Westham House
– Wednesday 15 August 3 – 5pm Wadham House
– Thursday 16 August 3 – 5pm Digby House
It is believed residents will be able to rent cars daily and hourly rental rates.
Hourly rates could be £6.50 or less.
The the up-front cost of the charging infrastructure will be paid (estimated to be around £50,000) by 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: “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.
“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.”
