A Kiwi-first initiative is giving Christchurch businesses and the public access to a pool of 100 electric vehicles.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern officially launched Christchurch's first fully battery powered electric car sharing service at the Christchurch Art Gallery on Thursday.
The project is run through Yoogo Share, a New Zealand electric car sharing business.
PM Jacinda Ardern and Mayor Lianne Dalziel in one of the new electric share cars.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she was proud Christchurch was the first city in New Zealand – and one of the few cities internationally – with such a service.
"This service will deliver improved environmental and health outcomes and help the Council achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030."
Ardern said encouraging the use of electric vehicles was an important part of the Government's plan for New Zealand to become carbon neutral by 2050.
"It's great we could help Christchurch lead the way with this innovative car sharing scheme," she said.
Yoogo Share general manager Kirsten Corson said the company was pleased to be able to open up the car share service to the public.
