Shared electric cars are becoming a popular, sustainable and cost-saving addition to retirement communities, with a fleet operated by one Victorian land lease community operator travelling the equivalent of five times around the world.
After being first introduced some five years ago, 15 Lifestyle Communities now have electric cars and car charging stations. The cars are free for residents to use.
Since that time, the cars have collectively travelled some 224,000 kilometres, and in doing so probably saving in the order of 43 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the same kilometres being driven by a petrol car.
“Today, Lifestyle runs one of the largest fleets of electric cars in Australia for the benefit of homeowners as well as for the planet,” said Lifestyle Communities managing director James Kelly.
“They are hugely popular with homeowners and have even caused some homeowners to sell their own cars and just use Lifestyle’s electric cars.
“This is a home run for the planet and a fantastic initiative for our homeowners.”
Lifestyle Communities on-site managers report the cars are often fully booked.
In October, Lifestyle Communities also announced that residents of one of its new land lease communities in Melbourne’s south-east will be able to save up to 50 per cent on their electricity bills thanks to an Australian-first renewable energy solution.
Meanwhile, Bolton Clarke has become the first retirement village operator to sign with electric vehicle start-up Ohmie GO to provide an e-mobility solution for residents.
Under the arrangement, Ohmie GO will provide a premium Tesla 3SR+ electric vehicle for the exclusive use of residents in Bolton Clarke’s Europa on Alma retirement living community at St Kilda. The first residents will move into the newly completed community in the new year.
Bolton Clarke General Manager Property Development James Mantis said he was excited to announce the agreement - one of a number of innovations designed to “future proof” the village.
“Looking at the international trends we know electric vehicles are growing in popularity – particularly in urban areas – and when there’s a bigger take-up we want to be ready to meet the needs of our residents,” he said.
“The Ohmie GO solution includes EV infrastructure, an 100 per cent electric fleet, maintenance, insurance, servicing, booking & management app, a dedicated community manager and powerful analytics.
“Residents will be able to book use of the share car directly through the Ohmie GO app on their smart phone or iPad, or via the concierge.
“We want to encourage more EVs and give residents access to electric vehicle infrastructure, including installing charging bays in the basement car park.”
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