A community electric-car hire service has begun operating in the Cumnock and Doon Valley area, giving residents access to vehicles without requiring them to own one.
The Community Electric Car Club is being developed by East Ayrshire Council with Coalfield Community Transport through the Ayrshire Growth Deal’s Community Renewable Energy project.
Vehicles are initially based at Townhead Street car park in Cumnock and Dalmellington Health Centre. The fleet consists of three family-sized electric cars and one wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Members can book remotely through an app and gain 24-hour access to the vehicles.
The project is intended to address a practical rural transport problem: people may need a car for employment, appointments, education or shopping without being able to justify the cost of permanent ownership. It will also provide direct evidence of whether shared electric vehicles are viable in smaller former coalfield communities rather than predominantly urban car-club markets.
The wider plan includes solar-powered charging hubs in Cumnock, Dalmellington, New Cumnock and Muirkirk. Usage will be monitored through the booking system so that the council and its partners can track demand and obtain feedback from members.
The broader Community Renewable Energy programme is supported by £17 million from the UK Government and £2.5 million from East Ayrshire Council, with additional funding for the car-club infrastructure from other partners.
