New electric cars have arrived in Plymouth
March 22nd, 2024
A new car club to make it easier for people to become less reliant on private cars has just arrived in Plymouth.
Co Wheels have been awarded the contract to run electric cars for hire for the city, as part of Connect Plymouth, a sustainable transport scheme run by the Council and funded by the Department of Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)
Connect Plymouth aims to provide more, affordable and greener travel options for our city and there are currently 510 Beryl e-bikes across 104 locations in Plymouth and 32 Wenea EV charging bays across 10 locations as part of this initiative.
Co Wheels provides an environmentally friendly, community-based alternative to car ownership, and are one the UK’s largest community interest car club operators. They operate pay-as-you go car clubs, pool car fleet management and franchise operations in over 60 towns and cities across the UK with a 24/7 call centre.
Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Co Wheels to Plymouth. Alongside active travel, electric cars have an important role to play in reducing the city's emissions and our impact on the environment. Not only are their cars a greener option but driving them occasionally could be cheaper than purchasing and maintaining another combustion powered vehicle. The Council is making strides in introducing ways for people to get out and about in a more sustainable way that is convenient for them. Co Wheels offers just that for our residents.”
With the average car only being used four per cent of the time, a car club for occasional use could be just the job for a business or leisure trip or even the weekly shop. The new vehicles will be available to hire from the Exchange Street car park on the Barbican by The Stable restaurant, and North Hill car park. The vehicles can be parked in any residential permit zone for free during their hire.
Richard Falconer, Head of Locations and Business Development at Co Wheels said, “We are delighted to be working closely with Plymouth City Council to bring car-sharing to the city. Car share clubs such as Co Wheels, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, contribute to lower carbon emissions and greener, safer cities and we are proud to be meeting the needs of the community by offering a convenient and sustainable alternative to traditional car ownership. Starting with two electric MG4s, we are excited to see the scheme grow to up to 10 vehicles over the next few years.”
There is a new joiners offer for residents to get a free membership and £20 driving credit when you become a Co Wheels member. This is usually a £25 joining fee and £5 a month. Driving credit expires three months from account verification. Find out more: Plymouth | Co Wheels (co-wheels.org.uk)