Residents in Banbury and its surrounding areas now have access to two new electric vehicles (EVs) through a local car club. Zimbl, a Banbury-based start-up company, has partnered with Oxfordshire County Council and other district councils to provide the additional EVs at two car parks in the town.
This electric car sharing pilot program aims to offer residents a convenient and cost-effective alternative to owning a car. By utilizing the pay-per-use EVs available through the car club, residents can enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle without the high costs and maintenance associated with ownership. Additionally, the program contributes to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.
The car club scheme is part of a larger initiative by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. With the addition of Zimbl, the car club now includes three providers – Zimbl, Co Wheels, and Enterprise CarClub – each offering EVs for hire.
Richard Devitt, Co-Founder of Zimbl, believes that car sharing will soon become the new norm, making car ownership an outdated concept. By hiring an electric vehicle only when it is needed, individuals can save money and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
The pilot program, which launched in April 2023, will run for 12 months to assess the demand and effectiveness of the service. The collected data will inform future plans to potentially expand the EV car club scheme across Oxfordshire.
By providing accessible and affordable access to electric vehicles, the car club scheme aims to give residents the opportunity to experience driving an EV without the long-term commitment of ownership or leasing. This real-world experience can help facilitate the transition to electric vehicles and promote sustainable transportation alternatives.
Sources:
– Oxfordshire County Council
– Zimbl Car Club
– Co Wheels Car Club