Is the UK’s Mobility Ecosystem Failing?
The recent retreat of industry giants like Zipcar from the UK market isn't just a headline: it’s a warning. As major players pull back, it signals a critical friction point in our national mobility strategy.
If we want to meet our net-zero targets and reduce urban congestion, car clubs aren't just a "nice to have", they are essential. So, why are they struggling, and what needs to change?
The Barriers: Why Car Clubs are Under Pressure
Despite the clear benefits of shared mobility, several structural barriers are making it difficult for car clubs to survive and thrive in 2026:
Infrastructure Gaps: Limited access to dedicated, reliable on-street charging makes fleet management difficult.
Regulatory Hurdles: Shifting local policies and the removal of previous incentives (like the London Congestion Charge EV discount) have increased operational costs.
Tax Disparity: High VAT on public charging compared to home charging creates an uneven playing field for shared electric fleets.
What Needs to Change?
To prevent a return to mass private car ownership, we need a systemic shift in how we support the mobility ecosystem:
Charging Parity: Lowering the VAT on public charging to match home rates.
Dedicated Space: Guaranteed kerbside space for shared vehicles in every high-density residential area.
Policy Stability: Long-term commitments from local and national governments to support shared transport as a primary pillar of the UK's transit network.
The Road Ahead
At char.gy, we believe the future of transport is shared, electric, and accessible. The departure of major players is a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to address these barriers before the progress of the last decade is lost.