A new, entirely electric, pay-per-use car club has launched at the University of Hertfordshire, providing staff, students and the local community with a convenient and environmentally friendly travel alternative that removes the costs of owning and running a car.

The University’s Environment and Sustainability team has partnered with Source East (the region’s electric vehicle recharging network) and E-Car Club (the UK’s first entirely electric pay-per-use car club) to run the scheme, which offers three electric cars to hire by the hour from either the University’s College Lane or de Havilland campus via a membership programme.

Dr. Stephen Boffey, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Regional Affairs at the University of Hertfordshire said: “The University is always looking at ways to improve the travel choices for staff, students and the local community and we are proud to be the first university to launch an electronic car club. We hope that by offering access to a low carbon form of transport, we can work together to reduce the cost and environmental impact of each journey undertaken.”

Christopher J. Morris, Development Director, E-Car, said: “We are delighted to be launching this scheme in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Source East. A first for the UK, we’re confident the programme will not only reduce transport emissions and costs for the community, but provide a convenient, flexible and affordable transport option for University staff and students.”

Anyone over the age of 19 can register for E-Car membership and all registrations before 28 February will receive a 50% discount on the membership fee and one hour free driving credit using the following promotional code: ‘UHECAR114’. For more information, visit http://www.uh-sustainable.co.uk/environment/E-Car.php.