ROME – Seeing is believing. To show the performance offered by its electric mobility first hand, Ford of Britain has launched an original initiative for the people of Fordwich, the smallest town in the United Kingdom. The project was launched following a research that showed that the majority of inhabitants of rural areas (82%), small towns (79%) and towns (76%) would not feel safe buying a car. electric as their next vehicle, if a ban on petrol and diesel cars were declared next week.
Thus, for a long weekend, all 380 Fordwich residents, (nomen omen) will be among the first to try the new Mustang Mach-E electric SUV by participating in an exclusive three-day test drive, scheduled in the Kent countryside. It should also be noted that the study of the blue oval brand highlighted a notable lack of trust and information on electric vehicles, particularly in rural areas and small towns such as Fordwich. Only 55% of people living in small towns, villages-towns and in the countryside say they have enough information to make an informed decision about buying an electric vehicle compared to 85% of the inhabitants of cities, urban areas and metropolises.
In addition to offering the opportunity to personally experience the qualities of the Mustang Mach-E, to support the citizens of Fordwich in the transition to electric mobility, Ford has also started a collaboration with British Gas for the installation of a public charging point in the small town. at the local pub “The Fordwich Arms”. Indeed, the lack of recharging infrastructures represents one of the major concerns that hinder the purchase of an electric vehicle, especially for the inhabitants of small towns (63%) and in the countryside (74%).
“What a fantastic way to get people to try an electric car – said Philip Lewis, local councilor and mayor of Fordwich – We are so proud of our city and sustainability is something very important to us, so we were eager to see how easy it would have been to switch to a more environmentally friendly vehicle. It’s great to see so many people signing up in the coming days and we’re thrilled to have a local charging point installed for long-term public use. “
In short, initiatives of this type are welcome and last year Renault started a project of electrification in Appy, making the French commune in the Ariège department the first country with only electric cars by providing a fleet of Zoe for three years. (mr)
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