E-Car Club launches at university

The UK’s first entirely electric pay-per-use car club, E-Car Club, has launched a service at the University of Hertfordshire.

One of the first schemes of its kind, and run in partnership with Source East it aims to improve mobility on a local level, whilst simultaneously reducing both the cost and environmental impact of each journey taken.

E-Car will provide staff, students and members of the community with access to full-sized Renault electric cars.

In the first instance, there will be two Zoes and a Fluence ZE saloon, available for hire by the hour.

Each vehicle has its own specially designated parking space and electric charging point at the de Havilland and College Lane Campus provided by Source East. The range of the Renault Zoe when fully charged is officially 130 miles, although in typical day-to-day driving around 64 to 92 miles, which makes it suitable for shorter journeys.

Anyone can become a member of the University of Hertfordshire E-Car Club and hire an E-Car for £5.50 per hour.

Each member is provided with a smart card and secure code with which to access the electric car as well as E-Car Club cars across the UK.

Transport Minister, Baroness Kramer, recently said: "It’s inspiring to see a business like E-Car Club, which was only set up a couple of years ago, doing so much to promote ultra-low emission vehicles."

Dr. Stephen Boffey, pro vice-chancellor for regional affairs at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "The University is always looking at ways to improve the travel choices for staff, students and the local community and we are proud to be the first university to launch an electric car club.

"We hope that by offering access to a low carbon form of transport, we can work together to reduce the cost and environmental impact of each journey undertaken."

Chris Morris (co-founder, E-Car Club) added: "The E-Car team and I are delighted to be launching this scheme in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Source East.

“A first for the UK, we’re confident the programme will not only reduce transport emissions and costs for UH faculty, but provide a convenient, flexible and affordable transport option for University students as young as 19.

"Starting with three cars available to hire by the hour across two campuses, we’re ready to increase the number of vehicles quickly as demand dictates."