E-Car launch their first service in Stratford-upon-Avon

The UK's first entirely electric pay-per-use car club, E-Car Club, have launched a car club service in Stratford-upon-Avon in partnership with Warwickshire County Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

It's one of the first schemes of its kind and aims to increase people's transport options in and around the town, giving them an alternative, more sustainable way to travel that will help save money and the environment.

The E-Car Club will give people living in or travelling around Stratford the opportunity to hire a full-sized electric car without the cost of owning one, with all the added benefits of convenience and flexibility to get around the town.

There will be four electric cars in total, with their own specially designated parking spaces and electric charging points: two at Stratford Parkway rail station, one at Bridgeway car park and one at Church Street car park. A Renault ZOE will be available to hire at each of the town centre locations while Nissan LEAFs will be available from Stratford Parkway.

The range of a fully charged electric car can be around 90 miles, making them perfect for regional journeys.

Anyone can be a member of the Stratford E-Car Club and hire an E-Car for just £5.50 an hour or £45 per day. Members can book a vehicle by phone or online and the E-Car can be reserved for as little as an hour to as long as several days.

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

The scheme will provide a low cost, low carbon, hassle free alternative to using your own car. E-Car takes care of everything: insurance, maintenance, cleaning and tax. Plus, members can join from 19 years of age.

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Transport & Planning, said: “Car clubs have lots of benefits for communities and individuals and I'm pleased that we've been able to bring this initiative to Stratford, working with E-Car Club and Stratford District Council.

“The scheme fits perfectly with our ambition to ensure that Warwickshire's communities are supported by excellent transport infrastructure in the county, and we're grateful that Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) money from the Department of Transport (DfT) has been available to support this.

“Schemes like this take cars out of circulation, reduce pressure on parking, make savings for families, reduce overall car use and encourage active travel."

Councillor Mike Brain, Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Technical Services said: “I am very pleased to be supporting the E-Car Club scheme which delivers on the District Council's core aim of minimising the impact of climate change by reducing the environmental impact of travel within the district.

“We are confident that this scheme will both encourage and enable residents, businesses and visitors within our district to make use of an electric vehicle option. Looking to the future, it is a perfect catalyst to boost the number of electric vehicles on the road and number of charging points which will bring further environmental benefits."

E-Car Club Managing Director, Chris Morris, added: “The E-Car team and I are delighted to be launching this scheme in partnership with Warwickshire County and Stratford District Council.

“We're confident the programme will not only reduce transport emissions for residents and local businesses, but provide a cheap, fun and flexible way to get around the town and county. We're also committed to making sure the vehicles are a cost effective option for those that need them most, including low income households and the under 25s who might not otherwise have access to a car.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

“Starting with four cars available to hire by the hour across three sites, we're ready to increase the number of vehicles quickly as demand dictates. With hourly rates starting at only £5.50 and cars available 24/7, 365 days a year, we're expecting the scheme to prove popular with a wide variety of users."

For more information and to register to use the Stratford E-Car Club scheme, visit www.e-carclub.org.