A fleet of 50 VW Golf GTE’s have been launched as part of Zipcar’s London fleet. The popular plug-in hybrid hatchback’s will allow members of the car sharing network zero-tailpipe emission motoring for at least part pf their journey thanks to the ability to be driven on the electric motor only.
The addition of the Golf GTEs gives Zipcar the largest fleet of PHEVs in London with dedicated charging points. The City of Westminster has been allocated 40 of the Volkswagen models, while the remaining 10 will be located between Tower Bridge and Old Oak.
To help users ,ake the most of the plug-in powertrain, Westminster City Council has installed 40 new charging points at parking bays throughout the borough, and is a step towards the target set by the London councils, Greater London Authority and Transport for London to have at least 50 per cent of car share fleets made up of electric vehicles by 2025 in
the Car Club Strategy for London plans.
Recent car sharing research shows that at least 10 per cent of users have driven an electric vehicle, and that almost nine out of ten members are interested in getting behind the wheel of a plug-in car. To help fulfil these aspirations, Zipcar has priced the Golf GTE at £7 per hour – the same price as a petrol-powered Golf.
Mark Walker, Zipcar UK General Manager, said: “At Zipcar, we are all about simple and responsible urban living. The Volkswagen Golf GTE fully supports that ethos and is ideal for our members. The combination of pure electric vehicle driving in the city and full flexibility to escape anywhere in the country, without compromise, is compelling.
“We believe our members will thoroughly enjoy driving this car in electric mode and will become keen advocates for electric vehicle driving in London.”
Cllr Heather Acton, Westminster City Council cabinet member for parking and sustainability, said: “Electric vehicles are key to helping address pollution. Giving more people the chance to drive an electric car in London, and on a shared basis, is a big step towards creating a greener city.
“We are delighted that residents and visitors to Westminster will have the opportunity to try out these vehicles. Car sharing makes so much sense in central London, where a private car is not often needed.”