Hackney launches electric car club pilot to support cleaner, fairer transport

Hackney Council has launched a pioneering electric car club pilot bringing new shared electric vehicles (EVs) to the borough, thanks to over £1 million in combined funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Fund and EV charging operator Zest.

With just 35% of Hackney households owning a car, the borough is leading the way in promoting cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. As part of the Mayor of Hackney’s commitment to supporting low-traffic, low-emission lifestyles, the new initiative will help ensure residents can access vehicles when needed—without the costs or environmental impacts of owning one.

Under the pilot:

• Fifteen electric car club vehicles have been deployed by Zipcar, with more to come.
• Seventy new onstreet fast charging sockets are being installed in 35 different locations across the borough.
• Each location will include two parking bays: one for public EV charging, and one for electric car club use.
• The dedicated EV car club bays will be installed in every ward of Hackney, providing equitable distribution and access.
• Zipcar has partnered with Zero Emissions Network to offer local businesses free membership for the first year plus further exclusive benefits.

While Hackney already has one of the largest fleets of car clubs in London, the project supports Hackney’s goal of further reducing car ownership and meeting its 2026 target of having 300 car club vehicles, with at least 50% of these being EVs. With petrol and diesel vehicle sales ending in 2030, electric car clubs offer an affordable, inclusive way for residents to get familiar with EVs without the burden of ownership or hidden costs.

By 2041, Hackney aims to cut the number of cars on its streets by 25%, improving air quality and making space for walking, cycling, and public life.

Sarah Young, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport:
‍I am really pleased that we’re offering residents inclusive affordable access to electric vehicles, which will get people used to driving and charging them. Shared electric vehicles are a win-win: they reduce air pollution and support equity for residents by adding to the affordable transport options, and support people who want to live car-free. This pilot is an important step in making sustainable transport the easy choice in Hackney.

James Taylor, General Manager, Zipcar UK
‍We are delighted to be trialling Zipcar UKs very first dedicated in-bay charging for shared electric cars with Hackney Council and Zest. Moving to electric vehicles is a crucial part of our long-term strategy, and vital for the health of our city and our planet. We’re looking forward to enabling members and Hackney residents to be part of this positive change.

Robin Heap, CEO, Zest
We’re proud to partner with Hackney Council and Zipcar to deliver this industry leading initiative that makes access to electric vehicles convenient and equitable for the whole community. By combining reliable EV charging infrastructure with shared EV access, we’re building a future where greener transport is available to everyone—not just those who own a car.

Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads
Hackney’s new electric car club pilot – supported by our Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot fund - is a brilliant initiative that provides residents with the comfort and flexibility of easily renting a car – whilst being zero emission and helping roll out new fast-chargers across the borough. This comes as this Government is providing £2.3bn to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to EVs, delivering our Plan for Change by driving investment and creating jobs to put money in people’s pockets and secure our future.

For more information about car clubs visit www.hackney.gov.uk/carclub  

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