NZ launches electric car share program
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has launched Yoogo Share, claimed to be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest deployment of pure battery electric cars and largest pure EV car sharing model.
A new initiative adopted by the Christchurch City Council, Yoogo Share will see a pure EV fleet of 100 cars, 10 hubs and 100 chargers made available around Christchurch. The program is expected to deliver positive health benefits for Christchurch, with zero tail pipe emissions and resulting in less congestion.
Twelve key businesses with 3000 drivers are already working with the Yoogo Share cars, removing 115 combustion engine vehicles from their fleets. Membership is now open to private users.
“While electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, they can be challenging to adopt because of the extra cost of the vehicles, not to mention costs for chargers and installation,” said Yoogo CEO David Jenkinson. “Sharing is a great way to enable the benefits of an EV without the hassle or cost.
“Imagine landing at Christchurch airport on business, just one minute walk to your Yoogo Share car which you access via your membership card or phone. At less than $15 an hour to drive a new BMW i3 or Hyundai Ioniq, it’s a no brainer.”
Jenkinson believes Yoogo Share’s technology is powering the fleet of the future, as it provides a cost-effective alternative to company cars, rental cars, taxis and even private ownership. It is particularly appealing to millennials such as Canterbury University student Matthew Knight, who are increasingly choosing public transport and rideshare services over car ownership.
“As a student, the last thing you want is to have to fork out for a car that’s going to need costly maintenance,” said Knight. “We still want the freedom to get around — and with Yoogo Share we’ve got access to a cool, new and sustainable option that’s more cost effective than taxis or Uber.”
Business and private users simply sign up at www.yoogoshare.co.nz and book a vehicle. Rates are based on the minute, hour or day — whichever is cheapest. Users of the service can pick up a car at a Yoogo Share hub, drop it back when they are finished and plug it in to charge.
Yoogo Share has active hubs at Christchurch Art Gallery car park, West End car park and Christchurch International Airport. Fendalton, Papanui, Lyttleton, the University of Canterbury, Ara Institute, The Crossing and The Terrace are set to join over the coming weeks and months.
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