Hackney Council Launches Electric Car Club Pilot
Hackney Council has launched a new electric car club pilot in partnership with Zipcar and Zest Charging, introducing 15 new electric vehicles (EVs) and 70 on-street fast chargers across the borough. The initiative is supported by over £1m in combined funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Fund and EV charging operator Zest.
The electric car club is designed to provide residents with access to vehicles when needed, without the costs and environmental impacts associated with car ownership. This move is particularly significant in Hackney, where only 35% of households own a car, and the borough aims to promote cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
The 15 EVs deployed by Zipcar will be available for use, with plans to add more in the future. The 70 on-street charging sockets will be installed in 35 locations, with each location featuring two parking bays: one for public EV charging and one dedicated to electric car club use. These dedicated bays will be distributed across every ward in Hackney, ensuring equitable access to the service.
Zipcar has also partnered with Zero Emissions Network to offer local businesses free membership for the first year, along with additional benefits. This project supports Hackney’s goal to have 300 car club vehicles by 2026, with at least 50% being electric vehicles.
Sarah Young, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, stated, “Shared electric vehicles are a win-win: they reduce air pollution and support equity for residents by adding to the affordable transport options, and support people who want to live car-free.” James Taylor, General Manager of Zipcar UK, expressed his delight in trialling Zipcar’s first dedicated in-bay charging for shared electric cars with Hackney Council and Zest, highlighting the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles.
Robin Heap, CEO of Zest, emphasized the company’s pride in partnering with Hackney Council and Zipcar to deliver an industry-leading initiative that makes access to electric vehicles convenient and equitable for the entire community. Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, praised the initiative, noting that it provides residents with the flexibility of renting zero-emission cars while helping to roll out new fast chargers across the borough.
The UK Government has committed £2.3bn to support the transition to electric vehicles, driving investment and creating jobs. As the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles is set to end in 2030, such car clubs are seen as an affordable and inclusive way for residents to become familiar with EVs without the burden of ownership.
