Eco Car Club

What is Eco Car Club?

eCo Car Club is the brand for the Car Club in a Box concept, a ready-made model that enables communities to establish and operate their own electric vehicle (EV) car clubs and voluntary driver schemes. 

Developed by Derwent Valley Car Club, a trading name of Blackhall Mill Community Association, which runs a successful all-EV community club in the North East of England, eCo Car Club builds on proven success to deliver sustainable, affordable, and community-led transport solutions.

The eCo Car Club approach goes beyond the technical aspects of running transport schemes, providing a comprehensive, community-focused model:

• Tailored Support Packages: Customised to match the capacity and needs of each community, ensuring the right level of guidance for success.
• Streamlined Process: A six-phase Car Club Road Map guides communities from planning through launch and ongoing operation, reducing complexity and uncertainty.
• Comprehensive Resources: All necessary technology, documentation, and tools are included, removing the need for communities to source these independently.
• Community Interaction: A peer-to-peer forum connects clubs for sharing experiences, learning from challenges, and accessing ongoing support.
• Local Branding: eCo Car Club provides a consistent, locally relevant identity that fosters community pride, ownership, and engagement tailored to each area.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: the model promotes equitable access to transport for all residents.

Key components of the eCo Car Club package include:

• Community Car Club website – a dedicated site to manage and promote the local club.
• Operational booking system – secure management of memberships, vehicle hire, volunteer driver schemes, and payments, with streamlined administration.
• Peer-to-peer network – connects clubs across the eCo Car Club system to access shared learning and support.

By reducing barriers to establishing EV car clubs, eCo Car Club accelerates the shift to sustainable and inclusive transport. Unlike commercial car clubs focused on profit, eCo Car Club combines community car sharing with volunteer driver schemes (where appropriate), closing mobility gaps, lowering costs, and empowering local ownership. This innovative model not only addresses rural and peri-urban transport challenges but also supports the UK’s net-zero 2050 goals while strengthening communities.