Beyond housing services, Ore Valley Housing Association has an impressive track record in sustainability projects, including developing a commercial wind turbine, solar PV farm and a low carbon business centre. An electric car club was the logical next step.
Addressing local transport issues
Local transport options in Fife can be limited and costly compared to other towns and regions. Keen to make the local communities they serve more sustainable, Ore Valley looked at transport options and costs. They noticed the potential to offer an alternative form of zero emission, shared mobility transport and applied for Plugged-in Communities Grant (previously Plugged-in Households) funding via Energy Saving Trust to help them set up an all electric car club. This would not only help local residents save money, but also help improve local air quality as the vehicles are all 100% electric.
A network for central Fife
Ore Valley had previously benefitted from charge point funding from Energy Saving Trust, enabling them to install the first two public EV charging points in central Fife. With the infrastructure in place, they successfully applied for a grant for a 10-vehicle electric car club. Established in partnership with Enterprise Car Club, the cars are available at five locations across Fife, creating a network of EVs for the local community.
Users can use their phone or bank card to access the vehicles, and Enterprise experts are available 24/7 to help. During lockdown, access to vehicles helped many make essential journeys. By offering a convenient and cost effective transport option, Ore Valley hopes to see the local community taking advantage of the affordable and low-carbon transport alternative, right on their door step.
“Tenants have welcomed the availability of an alternative transport option, especially in an area that suffers from lack of public transport provision and availability.”
Nick Clark, business development manager
Ore Valley Housing Association accessed a Plugged-in Communities grant, delivered by Energy Saving Trust and funded by Transport Scotland, to help with the cost of setting up an electric car club for its tenants and the wider local community.