South Korean automotive giant Hyundai has announced it will launch VIVe, a 100% electric rural carsharing service in rural areas of Spain, following a successful pilot program in the country’s north.
The successful pilot of the 100% electric carsharing service was conducted in Campisábalos, in the province of Guadalajara, and the initial expansion will connect 10 new towns, before expanding to include other towns in Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Extremadura, the Balearic Islands and Madrid.
Hyundai expects to have expanded the program to include over 40 towns by the end of the year and another 40 by the end of 2021.
“Aware of the difficulties and limitations in some rural areas in Spain, a year ago we launched the first rural and electric carsharing in Campisábalos, Guadalajara,” said Leopoldo Satrústegui, GM of Hyundai Motor Spain.
“The good reception this service has received has highlighted the need to continue committing to inclusive mobility and improving transport conditions in rural areas. Hyundai goes one step further with VIVe, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility and its goal of improving peoples’ quality of life.”
Towns with populations below 10,000 can request Hyundai expand VIVe, allowing residents and visitors to use the service through the VIVe app.
Hyundai announced the expansion of VIVe in La Hiruela, set in the mountains of Madrid, where the towns 70 registered residents already have access to an electric Hyundai KONA.
“With this transportation alternative, the residents of La Hiruela will be able to easily travel to nearby towns like Buitrago, or to go to the doctor or shopping without depending on the limited frequency of buses,” said Ignacio Merino, Mayor of La Hiruela.
“This Hyundai service shows that technology and innovation are compatible with the rural world, offering a new opportunity for these areas.”
Residents in newly added towns will be able to enjoy the service for free over the first three months of its arrival, before using the app to pay to use the vehicles. The app allows people to reserve the vehicles, unlock the cars, and report any damage.
Hyundai will also be responsible for installing an EV charging point in the town, which will also serve as a point of delivery and collection for the electric vehicles.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.