Electric car share service launches on Gold Coast
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
A Queensland tech start-up has launched an electric car share scheme at a Gold Coast hotel.
Outbound has installed a new Tesla Model 3 at Mantra at Sharks at Southport. Guests use an app to book the car, which costs $30 an hour, pro rata to the minute.
Outbound CEO Luke Rust said the introduction of “shared mobility” is an exciting development for the Australian tourism industry.
“People want to maximise their time and fun on the Gold Coast. This is really handy for anyone wanting to go for a day trip to the theme parks or out to the hinterland.
“You only pay for the time you use, to the minute. The EV will save on the cost and hassle of rental cars.”
Shared vehicles have been operating in Australia over the past decade, usually with petrol or diesel vehicles from locations by the roadside.
The Outbound scheme uses an electric vehicle based at a specific property, and the company plans to roll it out at more locations.
“We’re in discussions to roll the scheme out in other hotels on the Gold Coast, as well as in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne,” Mr Rust said.
“We also expect to see an uptake of the concept in residential and commercial buildings, where owners and tenants would have access to one or several EVs and reduce dependence on private vehicle ownership.
“The cost of owning a personal car can reach $17,000 per year. If communal EVs were available for use, that could just be included in your body corporate fees, you could cut a huge chunk of that expense.”
