Gov pilot scheme offers extra credit for electric vehicle hire

Monday 31 July 2023

The Government has partnered with EVie to launch a pilot scheme offering extra credit for use of the company's electric cars, vans and bikes in a bid to encourage more people to use low-carbon methods of transport.

Up to 500 people will be able to access the scheme between now and 31 October.

Islanders can apply online to buy an initial £25 subscription fee which will then be topped up to £100 worth of credit.

The credit, which lasts for a month, can be used for trips in many of EVie’s cars and vans, as well as on the yellow e-bikes.

Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf said: "The idea is that the extra credit will lead to more minutes, more miles and fewer petrol- and diesel-powered journeys on Jersey’s roads."

"The additional credit can be split across EVie’s bikes, cars, and vans, and will give users the opportunity to use these low-carbon methods of transport to perhaps commute to and from work, do the weekly shop, or transport a large piece of furniture, for example," he continued.

"This trial scheme will also help us better understand the appetite for shared transport services in Jersey."

Pictured: Deputy Renouf said that the extra credit will lead to fewer petrol- and diesel-powered journeys on Jersey’s roads.

A total of £25,000 from the Climate Emergency Fund has been allocated to the scheme, along with £12,500 in credit from EVie.

EVie chief executive officer Jamie Kelly added: "We are thrilled to partner with the Government of Jersey to pilot a subscription scheme that gives real value to islanders.

"We hope it will show how, at the right price, islanders can be encouraged to switch away from personal petrol or diesel vehicles to shared electric transport, without the need to buy their own costly electric bikes or cars.

"We are delighted to top up the Government’s generous support with additional free usage credit. We believe that, together, we have been able to provide a subscription package that is affordable to everyone."