Volvo Cars UK has launched its first ever pure-electric test drive hub – at the Eden Project in Cornwall. The move comes as part of the carmaker’s commitment to becoming an electric-only car manufacturer by 2030.
The Eden Project is already a popular tourist destination, attracting more than one million visitors in 2019, its last full year of opening. Now visitors will be given the opportunity to test drive Volvo’s pure-electric fleet around the picturesque Cornish roads and experience the joy of driving an electric car.
Both the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the new C40 Recharge – Volvo’s first model available only in fully electric and sold exclusively online – will be available to test drive. Test drives can be pre-booked, with a number of walk-in slots also available.
“We are really excited to launch the new Volvo Pure Electric Test Drive Hub at the Eden Project. At Volvo, we recognise we have been part of the problem and are working extremely hard to ensure that our next generation of cars leave as little impact as possible,” said Kristian Elvefors, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.
“Our latest model, the C40 Recharge pure electric, demonstrates this commitment, right down to how it is manufactured and the amount of recycled material used within the car.”
The aim of Volvo’s long-term partnership with the Eden Project is to inspire and educate people about humans’ relationship with the environment, and how we can protect the planet to create a safer future.
The Eden Project certainly provides a great location to launch Volvo’s EV test drive hub, helping to tackle some of the challenges and concerns consumers have around purchasing and driving electric vehicles, especially in remote areas, and helping to accelerate consumer uptake of zero-emission vehicles.
“We’re delighted to be partnered with a company that really walks the talk. There is a quiet revolution going on and we want to be part of this transformation,” said Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder of the Eden Project.
