e-cars

Green motoring project driven by electric cars powered by island windfarm

7 October 2015

One of the cleanest, greenest motoring projects the UK has ever seen has been launched in the Western Isles.

A new fleet of ten electric vehicles will be powered by wind energy generated by the island’s wind turbines.

The scheme was launched with a road challenge to prove the vehicles can really achieve around 70-90 miles on a single charge.

Two Renault ZOE hatchbacks island hopped using ferries to drive the entire length of the Western Isles in one day.

Topping up at charger units located at island ports, they set off from Vatersay to reach the Butt of Lewis by afternoon topping up at the existing ‘rapid charge’ units across the islands which will charge the vehicles from flat to full in 30 minutes.

The scheme is a joint venture between Zero Carbon Marine, which operates the Pentland Road wind farm by Stornoway, and E-Car Club which rents out vehicles via entirely-electric car clubs across the UK. On-island support will be provided by Car Hire Hebrides.

The coming months will see the cars available for people to collect from specific points across Lewis and Harris on a pay-as-you-go basis, with 24/7 access possible thanks to E-Car’s online booking system.

Peter Crone, director of Zero Carbon Marine said: “The Western Isles is blessed with vast and largely unexploited renewable energy resources. In time we believe that all of the energy requirements of the islands will be supplied from local generation.

He added: “Charging can be scheduled for periods of low electricity demand during the night and it is even possible to use the cars to supply power back to the grid at times of peak demand."

Chris Morris, managing director of E-Car Club said: "The opportunity to power the vehicles almost exclusively from wind turbines makes the sustainability credentials of this scheme truly world class.

“By providing vehicles which are accessible 24/7 and therefore reducing the need for private ownership from businesses and local residents, this scheme will significantly cut local emissions and improve parking and congestion issues whilst saving significant amounts of money for everybody that joins.

“Our members have reported an annual average saving of £2000 per year compared to owning and running their own vehicles.”

The fleet will consist of one Renault Kangoo van and nine Renault ZOE hatchbacks, which can achieve around 70-90 miles on a single charge and feature climate control, cruise control and satellite navigation as standard. Hire costs for the ZOE’s will be £5.50 per hour/ £45 per day, and the Kangoo is £7.50 per hour/ £60 per day.

Peter Crone of the Pentland Road windfarm with an e-car