Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

London’s EV Plan Off-Target, May Need to Look to Citywide Car Sharing, Report Says

The city’s environment committee suggested that London may need to look to an electric vehicle car-sharing program like that of Paris’ Autolib fleet that launched in December 2011.

by Staff
February 6, 2012
2 min to read


Despite the mayor of London’s plan to have 100,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road “as soon as possible,” served by 25,000 charging points, the city’s environment committee reported that London has about 2,313 EVs registered in the city so far. The committee suggested that London may need to look to an EV car-sharing program like that of Paris’ Autolib fleet that launched in December 2011.

The currently reported EV registration count, which is about 0.08% of all vehicle registrations in the city, “is way off the Mayor’s original target of 100,000, and at the current rate could take centuries to reach,” said Murad Qureshi, the environment committee chair, in the February report. Qureshi cited issues like “range anxiety” and not enough charging points for drivers to feel confident in purchasing a 100% EV.

Ad Loading...

“In the past, we’ve followed Paris with their Velib bike hire scheme with our very own version,” Qureshi said. “We may do well to follow their lead again but this time with a version of their EV car hire scheme for London. I believe we should all be watching the progress of the Autolib in Paris with great interest.”

According to the report, London’s mayor is committed to establishing 1,300 charging points by 2013, in which the city has about 400 currently. The report made other suggestions, such as publicizing the advantages of EVs and to publish a revised plan.

For the full report as a PDF from London’s environment committee, click here.

More Green Fleet

Sid on stage at ICRS in front of four white chairs.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueJune 2, 2025

Survey: New Tech Tools, Sharper Pricing Plans, and Focused Service Can Improve Rental Car Industry

ICRS 2025: What are key trends, challenges, and opportunities confronting rental car operators this year?

Read More →
Rental Operationsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 13, 2025

Green Motion Adds South Korea to Its Asian Service Region

The first Green Motion locations in South Korea are scheduled to open in key travel hubs during the coming months, including Seoul, Jeju, and Busan International Airports.

Read More →
Image of a sign that says "Electric Vehicle Only" in front of charging vehicles.
Green Fleetby Elora HaynesFebruary 10, 2025

Federal Highway Administration Halts EV Charger Funding, Delaying National Expansion Plans

The FHWA has rescinded funding for the NEVI Formula Program, delaying nationwide EV expansion as policies undergo federal review.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green Fleetby Martin RomjueJanuary 22, 2025

Operator Outlook: EVs Slow to Charm Rental Car Industry

2025 ARN Fact Book: Electric vehicles still must prove their reliability and worth in a fleet sector that puts rolling metal on the ground 24/7 for a demanding customer base.

Read More →
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 21, 2025

Green Motion Opens Franchise in Germany’s Most Populous State

The rental car outlet brings its hybrid and electric vehicles and sustainable approach to business to one of Europe’s most economically powerful regions.

Read More →
Fleet Acquisitionby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 14, 2025

U.S. EV Sales Push to Record 1.3 Million in 2024

Domestic sales of EVs benefitted from strong incentives from the automakers, excellent lease deals, and federal and state incentive programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Green FleetJanuary 9, 2025

Electric Vehicles Still Destined to Succeed

2025 ARN Fact Book ACRA Column: The technology, lower costs, and energy improvements of future electric vehicles will make them too good to turn down. Rental fleets should prepare now.

Read More →
Rental Operationsby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 8, 2025

4 Global Trends in Carsharing for 2025

Despite operational challenges and questions, the global car-sharing market continues growing and will likely double during the next decade.

Read More →
Rental Operationsby News/Media ReleaseDecember 18, 2024

Green Motion Appoints Master Franchise for New Zealand

The provider of green vehicles expands its sustainable car rental options further into the APAC region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fleet Acquisitionby News/Media ReleaseOctober 11, 2024

EV Transaction Prices Ease Down in September

Electric vehicle sales also mark another record in Q3, thanks to higher incentives and more choices.

Read More →
Ad Loading...