Suffolk Council Launching Electric Car Club

Suffolk County Council is set to revolutionise transportation in the region with the launch of an Electric Vehicle (EV) car club, enticing residents to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The innovative Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs initiative is gearing up to introduce 16 EVs across eight convenient locations in Suffolk, including popular areas like Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Sudbury, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Lowestoft, and Woodbridge. These sleek electric vehicles will be available for booking by the minute, hour, or day, making environmentally-friendly transportation more accessible than ever before.

While car clubs offering access to low- and zero-emission vehicles are already a common sight in urban areas across the UK, they have been notably absent in rural and semi-rural regions like Suffolk. The lack of real-world usage data has been a major barrier for providers looking to expand into these areas. However, the Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs project aims to change that by providing the essential data needed to support the usage of electric vehicles in these less densely populated areas.

This cutting-edge scheme is not only about promoting eco-friendly transportation; it is also a key initiative to address the pressing issue of air quality and congestion in Suffolk. By encouraging residents to embrace electric vehicles, the project aims to improve air quality, reduce congestion, and boost mobility for those who do not have access to private cars.

Supported by funding from Suffolk’s public sector organisations, the initiative aligns with the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, demonstrating the county’s commitment to combatting climate change. Furthermore, additional funding for charging points comes from the Department for Transport’s On-street Residential ChargePoint Scheme (ORCS), ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, Councillor Neil MacDonald, Chair of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders, highlighted the demand from residents for a car club scheme like this in Suffolk. Drawing inspiration from the success of a similar trial in Oxfordshire, he believes that the Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs project has the potential to bring significant benefits to the county.

With the trial set to commence next summer, drivers and businesses in Suffolk can already register their interest in the scheme. By signing up early, individuals and families can show their support for this groundbreaking initiative and help pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for Suffolk.