Oxford expand EV car club after successful launch

In March, Watford Borough Council and Enterprise Car Club launched an environmentally friendly car club for the area. Just two months later, they have announced its expansion.

The car club offers fully electric car hire by the hour or day, allowing individuals and organisations access to a vehicle when required, without the need for ownership.

The scheme originally opened in two locations in the town but the council have now announced the addition of two more.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: ‘The steady growth of the car club and the addition of new bays highlight our commitment to improving air quality and alleviating congestion in our town. This scheme provides people in Watford with a convenient and eco-friendly transport solution that contributes to a healthier, cleaner environment for everyone.’

Since the scheme was launched, the EVs have been used for over 707 hours, covering 2,793 miles. Their use has prevented an estimated 1.128 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The council is introducing this limited number of dedicated locations in the town exclusively for car club use but there are plans to expand these bays over time as usage grows. The scheme will also aim to be further enhanced by the availability of low-emission vehicles on local housing development sites.

Watford is known to be an EV-friendly town, as a survey last year established, there are 246 EV charge points per 100,000 people in the town. A figure eclipsed only by Coventry.

The car share scheme is offering incentives to potential new members by offering the first two year’s membership for £20 a year (usually £60) and a £20 free driving credit, aimed at lowering the membership cost and providing complimentary driving credits. 

Dan Gursel, Managing Director of Enterprise Car Club said: ‘We are thrilled with the progress of the car club. Seeing our electric vehicles used for that many hours and miles underscores the growing demand for sustainable transport options. The big carbon emissions savings highlight the positive environmental impact the club is making in the community.’