Plymouth’s car club has officially launched with the aim of helping people to become less reliant on private cars. The electric cars can be rented by the hour and can be parked in any residential permit zone for free during their hire.
There are currently two MG4s in the city as part of the sceheme, with plans to expand the fleet to ten. They can be hired from the Exchange Street car park on the Barbican by The Stable restaurant, and North Hill car park.
Co Wheels has been awarded the contract to run electric cars for hire for the city as part of Connect Plymouth, a government-funded sustainable transport scheme run by Plymouth City Council. It currently has 510 e-bikes across 104 locations in Plymouth and 32 EV charging bays across ten locations.
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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.”
Co Wheels operates pay-as-you go car clubs, pool car fleet management and franchise operations in more than 60 towns and cities across the UK.
Councillor Mark Coker, cabinet member for transport, added: “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.”
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.”
Membership of Co Wheels is usually £5 a month after a £25 joining fee. A new joiners offer is available for Plymouth residents, including a free membership and £20 driving credit.
Driving credit expires three months from account verification. Find out more HERE.