A shared e-van scheme said to mark a first for London has launched in Brixton to help SMEs cut both costs and pollution.

The vehicle is funded by Lambeth Council and administrated by Zipcar for Business

Run under Cross River Partnership’s Clean Air Villages programme in partnership with Lambeth Council, Brixton BID and Zipcar for Business, the scheme launches some six months after the Ultra Low Emission Zone went live and enables small businesses in Brixton, including street and market traders based locally, to scrap their older vans and use the shared Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. for free.

Lambeth Council is funding the van itself, which is provided and run through Zipcar for Business, and Brixton BID playing a key role in bringing Brixton businesses on board.

Once signed up and approved for the scheme, businesses can book the van using the free Zipcar app, and access and drive it free of charge for short business trips in and around Lambeth. Charging is provided via a charge point installed on Pulross Road, where it will be stationed.

Cllr Claire Holland, deputy leader of Lambeth Council and cabinet lead for the Environment and Clean Air, said: “I’m proud that right here in the heart of Brixton we have got London’s first electric van solely for the use of local businesses. We are determined to help Lambeth’s local businesses transition to low-carbon ways of working and electric vehicles and cargo bikes are the way forward.  We all need to play our own role in tackling the climate crisis and by choosing to use electric vehicles, small businesses in Lambeth are leading from the front.”