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RAA and Flexicar are extending their partnership to offer a fully electric car as part of the range of hire vehicles available from today.
RAA members and other South Australian drivers can now experience being behind the wheel of a Hyundai Kona electric vehicle (EV).
The car can be booked from just $22.55 per hour or $167.30 per day – with the battery charged for free. RAA members receive a 20 per cent discount on these prices.
As is the case with the existing 19 vehicle Flexicar fleet of SUVs, people movers and hatchbacks, drivers can use their smartphones or the Flexicar website to book and unlock the EV.
RAA Senior Manager Future Mobility, Mark Borlace, expects the Flexicar EV to be popular as a novelty item among motorists.
“While everyone has heard of electric vehicles, the vast majority of motorists wouldn’t have driven one, let alone been a passenger in one,’’ he said.
“Obviously there is a great difference in the noise level associated with an EV, plus the instant response of the motor to the accelerator and deceleration of the engine once your foot is off that pedal.
“I’d expect there would be many people interested in driving a car which represents the future of motoring for decades to come.’’
As with the other Flexicar vehicles, Mr Borlace expect the EV will also be particularly popular with people who do not have a car and need one occasionally for a weekend getaway or a short business trip.
“We also expect it will be useful for car owners who need may a second vehicle from time to time,” Mr Borlace said.
Mr Borlace said RAA had partnered Hertz the Flexicar service in recognition that, as people’s mobility requirements and preferences change, a larger range of options was required to meet these needs.
The Kona EV is located next to an electric charging station in a reserved section of the members car park at RAA headquarters on Richmond Road, Mile End South.
Using the Flexicar website or App, available from the Apple App Store or Google Play, motorists also have 24/7 access to Flexicar vehicles located in designated parking bays in Bowden, Glenelg, Tonsley and 13 locations in the Adelaide CBD. Flexicar vehicles are to be returned to the same spot at the end of the trip.
Flexicar’s competitive pricing is simple and transparent. Petrol and diesel vehicles are available at a flat rate starting from $8.50 per hour, which includes unlimited kilometres with hourly bookings, petrol, insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, with RAA members entitled to a 10 per cent discount. The Flexicar annual membership fee of up to $49 is also waived for RAA members.
Flexicar vehicles are cleaned regularly and hard surfaces such as steering wheels are disinfected. Wipes and hand sanitisers will be placed in cars and customers are urged to follow SA Government COVID-19 restrictions when using the service.
For more information on Flexicar car sharing, visit theFlexicar website https://flexicar.com.au/ or RAA’s website www.raa.com.au/flexicar