Mercury trials EV subscription service to drive uptake

Mercury is piloting an electric vehicle subscription service with Snap Rentals, now available to Mercury customers in Auckland.

This is a model that could be instrumental in getting more Kiwis plugging in for their transport, Mercury says.

“Our research has shown people know EVs are better for our country and environment and many are ready to consider one as their next car,” Mercury chief marketing officer Julia Jack says.

“It also suggests there are some concerns about up-front costs. So we’re teaming up with the experts to test a solution that turns the traditional car ownership model on its head: EVs via subscription, backed by great service,” she says.

The service, Mercury Drive, helps people get behind the wheel of an EV without up-front commitment or costs, insulates from depreciation shocks and takes away the hassle and cost of maintenance and insurance. The car can be swapped for another model, or the subscription stopped if necessary.

It costs $399 a month (six-month term) to drive a Gen 1 Nissan Leaf. For

those unsure about committing, month-by-month subscriptions start from $469 a month.

Subscribers choose their vehicle from a range of options, including the Tesla Model S, and length of subscription (monthly, three monthly or six monthly). Their chosen EV is dropped off and picked up by a concierge service that instructs on the e-driving experience.

“Many people are already thinking about going electric and we are all for trialling a way to turn that consideration into action,” Jack says.

“Mercury Drive will give us an even better understanding of what people are looking for from electric vehicles to help develop and support other initiatives to promote the electrification of transport in New Zealand.”

Research findings released by Mercury show 84% of respondents agreed EVs are ‘the way of the future’.

Strong interest in Mercury Drive has come from Mercury customers, Jack says.

“There’s a new generation of drivers out there who see car ownership as optional, and that’s an opportunity to give them greater choice in how they get around.”

The site, evdrive.co.nz, is still building up vehicle availability, and taking expressions of interest.

Mercury offers a 20% discount on EV charging between 11pm and 7am to support EV owners and encourage off-peak charging.

Visit snaprentals.co.nz

for more information.