Electric vehicle car club launched in Leighton-Linslade and Houghton Regis
Tuesday, 26 March 2024
Residents in Houghton Regis and Leighton-Linslade can now access 5 electric vehicles and 1 hybrid vehicle from as little as £4 per hour or £35 per day.
Operated by Hiyacar, a new electric vehicle car club will be trialled in the area for an initial three years. It’s being supported by us and funded by Section 106 contributions which we receive from developers to offset the impact of new housing and other development in a specific area. The car club vehicles can be found on:
- The Farmstead, Huckett Street, Houghton Regis LU5 5GX
- Bidwell West Neighbourhood Centre, Collie Place, Houghton Regis, LU5 6TW
- AW Charging Station, Kemsley Drive, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3HP
The launch of the car club means that those living in Leighton-Linslade and Houghton Regis will have more affordable transport options available to them. Car clubs are another way to get cars off the road, lessening the need for private or single-use car ownership and helping reduce air pollution and congestion.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
The electric vehicle car club offers a realistic option for people to get around without the hassle and additional costs of car ownership and with the added benefit of zero tailpipe emissions. It’s great to be able to encourage businesses which provide residents with a practical way to reduce the number of cars in the area. We hope that the trial of this EV car club proves to be a success for people living in the area.
Chief Operating Officer of Hiyacar, Eleonore Kuentz, says of the car club trial:
We’re very excited about the launch of this car club in Leighton-Linslade and Houghton Regis - it is great to be working with Central Bedfordshire Council on this, providing their residents with more affordable transport options. Car clubs are a great way for local authorities to help decrease private car ownership as well as offering those without a car, access to one when and where they need it.
Anyone who wants to use the cars can download the Hiyacar app and sign up as a Hiyacar member. The rental price will also include insurance, car cleaning and maintenance.