eCo Car Club
Creating a Replicable Model for Community-Led EV Car Sharing and Rural Transport Solutions
Industry
Client
Voluntary Sector
Derwent Valley Car Club
The Car Club in a Box (CCiaB), branded as eCo Car Club, packages the expertise and systems of the pioneering Derwent Valley Car Club (DVCC) to help communities across the UK set up sustainable electric vehicle (EV) car clubs. Edge Innovation partnered with DVCC to research rural and peri-urban transport gaps, co-develop the model, provide tailored support for communities adopting it, and research its impact for ongoing iteration and improvement. Together, they combined research, technology development, and community engagement to create a replicable approach that includes both EV access and a Voluntary Driver Scheme (VDS). The package equips communities with operational tools, a bespoke booking platform, and guidance, enabling faster, more sustainable delivery of community-led transport solutions.
Key Objectives
Enable communities to establish affordable, sustainable EV car clubs quickly.
Provide inclusive transport options for non-driving residents through the Voluntary Driver Scheme (VDS).
Package DVCC’s experience, systems, and processes into a replicable model for nationwide adoption.
Research and evaluate the impact of the model to support continuous improvement and iteration.
Strengthen community engagement, social cohesion, and local ownership of transport solutions.
Our Approach
Conducted in-depth research to identify rural and peri-urban transport gaps.
Supported the development of the Car Club in a Box model.
Engaged with local stakeholders to pilot the model and provide iterative support.
Monitored and evaluated implementation, collecting feedback to inform ongoing improvements.
Secured funding from the Connected Places Catapult and Department for Transport’s TRIG programme, and subsequently the Royal Countryside Fund to support research, model development, piloting, and rollout.
Impact
Established a replicable model for community EV car clubs with integrated volunteer driver schemes.
Accelerated the deployment of zero-emission transport solutions in rural and peri-urban areas, supporting decarbonisation and accessibility goals.
Created a framework for continuous iteration, ensuring the model evolves based on real-world community feedback.
Supported DVCC to secure £53,000 to research and develop the model.
Our Deputy Director was recognised through the Department for Transport’s Chief Scientific Advisors Award for Inspiration Leadership.
