15.1.2013 Hertz offers EV hire in Milton Keynes

Businesses and residents in Milton Keynes will have the opportunity to reserve and drive a Nissan Leaf electric car for just £5.00 per hour.

The latest environmental car sharing initiative is being coordinated by Milton Keynes Council, Hertz on Demand, the Hertz Corporation's global car sharing club and Chargemaster plc, the UK's leading provider of electric vehicle infrastructure.

Chargemaster is providing the charging solutions for the Nissan Leafs and drivers will automatically have membership to the POLAR national charging network. There are over 100 POLAR charging points in Milton Keynes and within 20 miles of the town. The POLAR charging scheme already has over 2,000 points across the country including rapid charging units that can charge a Nissan Leaf in approximately 20 minutes.

Hertz on Demand Car Club members must first book their EV either over the phone or online, and then an hourly rate of £5.00 will cover insurance, maintenance, cleaning and roadside assistance. The Milton Keynes car club will initially launch with a fleet of five Nissan Leafs.

Michael Taride, President of Hertz International, said: "It is a pleasure to work with Milton Keynes Council in offering these great car sharing benefits to residents and business in Milton Keynes. This partnership highlights the growing popularity of car-sharing in communities seeking green solutions which are both convenient and cost-effective. The other attraction of this scheme lies in its simplicity – members can just click, book and drive away."

David Martell, Chief Executive of Chargemaster plc, added: "Chargemaster is delighted to be participating in such an innovative programme along with Hertz and Milton Keynes Council. Users will have the benefit of being able to charge their cars at many places across the region and nationally through the POLAR charging point network making everyday usage a viable proposition. This scheme will further help familiarise people with electric vehicles and encourage an increase in their adoption."

Chargemaster Plc