A hundred EVs for Canterbury car share Yoogo

One of the largest transitions from combustion engines to pure shared electric vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere is set to take place in Christchurch from November.

Canterbury organisations and residents will soon have access to a pool of 100 all-electric vehicles, only one of a few cities internationally to offer a 100% battery electric shared fleet service.

Kiwi fleet management company, Yoogo, known for its innovative electric car sharing model, was selected by the Christchurch City Council to implement the service.

Yoogo will initially launch 70 EVs across three city hubs in late November, with 30 additional vehicles to follow in February across nine locations in total.

The all-electric car sharing model breaks down barriers around cost and charging infrastructure, making such vehicles accessible and affordable, the company’s general manager Kirsten Corson says.

“The pure electric car sharing platform is a smart and sustainable way to get around town for businesses and everyday Kiwis.

“Yoogo will deliver an experience that is easy, enjoyable and affordable. Cantabrians will pay for the time they use the car and Yoogo takes care of everything else. Users can simply book online and access vehicles via the Yoogo app or swipe card.”

This initiative with the council is the result of both leading public and private sector organisations partnering over a shared vision for an efficient and sustainable transport solution, Yoogo says.

The service will be launched for the council, Ara Institute, Aurecon, Beca, Canterbury District Health Board, Chapman Tripp, Environment Canterbury, Meridian Energy, Tonkin and Taylor and Warren and Mahoney, Jacobs, and Christchurch Airport as well as for the general public.

“This is an exciting development for Christchurch to have a new innovative 100% battery electric transport service, council resources efficiency manager and project manager for this city-wide scheme Kevin Crutchley says.

“New Zealand’s electricity is mostly generated from renewable energy, so this electric vehicle offering will reduce our city’s carbon emissions. Also using a transport service with zero tail pipe emissions will improve air quality and have positive health benefits for the residents of Christchurch.”

Yoogo will open hubs at the airport, West End and art gallery using an A to A model. All the other hubs will be open by the end of March. Next year, Yoogo will move to an A to B model, which means a vehicle can be dropped off at a different Yoogo hub.

The Initial phase one hubs around the city will include the West End, Lichfield Street, The Crossing and art gallery car parks, Ara Institute, Canterbury University, Papanui and Fendalton libraries, Lyttelton Community Centre and Christchurch Airport.

Pure electric vehicles at these hubs will include Hyundai Ioniq and BMWi3 vehicles.

Visit yoogo.co.nz

for more information.