LONDON: The UK’s first electric-only car hire company has been launched in an attempt to the UK’s drive towards ultra-low emission vehicles.
Electric Car Hire’s fleet of zero-emission 100% electric BMW i3s is now available to drivers in London and the South East for daily or weekly hire.
The Government’s Go Ultra Low campaign, which was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg with a £9 million investment to increase the number of car charging points across the country, was strengthened earlier this month with three more car manufacturers signing up.
They have pledged to expand the range of low emission cars on the market, but with only 2.5 million new cars sold last year, more work is needed to influence the 52 million adults in the UK that low emission and electric cars are the future. Car hire provides a low cost and accessible option for motorists to try the vehicles.
There is a host of driver incentive schemes available for electric cars including free charging, a waive on the London congestion charge, and free parking in certain London Boroughs. This is all part of the UK’s goal to lead the way in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles globally. In June, London will also host the finish of the world’s first fully electric motor racing series, Formula E.
The European electric vehicle market grew by 37 per cent last year, with the UK recording the biggest increase. The UK also has the highest number of new electric vehicles, with more than 15,000 on the road.
