While London is welcoming new private hire drivers on what seems like a daily basis, there are only a few organisations the city is taking seriously; one being Zipcar. Branded as the largest zero-emissions car-share programme in the country, Zipcar is set to introduce 3000 electric cars to London, with the city expected to travel in these new vehicles this summer.
The vehicles are being installed by Zipcar Car Club in nine boroughs as well as Heathrow, giving residents and tourists a large fleet of Volkswagen e-Golfs to travel the city in. By the end of 2018, Zipcar promise to have 325 electric cars in operation in London, expected to build on their collection of eco cars on a constant basis.
Members of the ‘car-share club’ will allegedly be able to hire the vehicles by the minute, something introduced by the company’s ‘Flex scheme’. Stationed at ‘floating’ points across the city, the cars will be locked and found at shared-use bays. Hirers will be able to unlock said vehicles through a smartphone app, gaining access to the engine key subsequently.
Zipcar said it hoped the scheme would “help break down current barriers to greater electric vehicle adoption and take electric driving from niche to mainstream in the capital”.
Jonathan Hampson, general manager for Zipcar UK, said:
“If we are to achieve healthier, cleaner streets, as set out in the Mayor of London’s latest transport strategy, this change away from car ownership and towards car access is essential. In encouraging this change we have always wanted to use the cleanest possible vehicles, which is why we’re excited to team up with Volkswagen for this zero emissions initiative.”
What are your thoughts?
Let us know what you think, are other car rental brands in trouble or is Zipcar just one of the many businesses trying to make their way in the forever-in-development world of city car rental? Share your thoughts with us.
