Suffolk’s community electric vehicles get their names as competition winners are revealed

This spring, Sustainable Suffolk invited residents to help name the county’s fleet of 18 electric community vehicles. The competition received a fantastic response, with residents submitting imaginative, witty and locally inspired suggestions. Names were shortlisted by a public vote and then judged by a panel to select the final names. One of the vehicles was even named in honour of Suffolk resident and world-renowned musician Ed Sheeran.

In total, over 250 names were submitted and public votes cast. The winning entrants each received driving credit to use with Car Clubs, and their chosen names are now proudly displayed on the vehicles.

Each of the nine Car Clubs locations has two vehicles, each sporting a new name:

Bury St Edmunds – Cannon Street

• Abbie
• Watt’s Up Bury

Hadleigh – Maiden Way Car Park

• Lady Lightning
• Honeybee

Ipswich – Ann Street

• Carmen Electra
• Sparky

Ipswich – Norfolk Road

• EV Sheeran
• MG Hammer

Needham Market – Station Yard Car Park

• Casper
• Watt Wagon

Newmarket – Granary Road

• Caroline
• Evie

Stowmarket – Crown Street

• Stevie the EV
• The Stowmobile

Sudbury – Girling Street Car Park

• Lecky
• Car-bon Cutter

Woodbridge – Castle Street

• Buzz Lightyear
• Deben Dash

Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group, said:

“The creativity shown by residents across Suffolk has been a joy to see. From clever puns to names that celebrate local identity, the winning entries have given the vehicles their own personality. I’d like to thank everyone who got involved in the competition and voting process, and encourage anyone who has not yet signed up to Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs to do so.”

Gemma Moran, Account Manager, Connected Kerb, said:

“What we love about this project is how it brings communities into the journey. These aren’t just electric vehicles, they’re part of everyday life in Suffolk now, shaped and named by the people using them.

At Connected Kerb, we’re here to make EV charging simple, reliable and accessible wherever people live, so it’s brilliant to see that infrastructure supporting something as visible and community driven as the Car Clubs.”

Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs provide local residents with access to electric vehicles that can be booked by the minute, hour or day, offering easy access to a vehicle without the cost of owning one. It’s no wonder they’ve been driven over 25,000 miles by Suffolk residents so far. Members do not need to worry about insurance, servicing, maintenance costs, MOTs or fluctuating petrol and diesel prices. Car Clubs are also a great way for communities to access convenient, low-emission transport. Plus, each car has a range of well over 200 miles.

Until 31 July, Suffolk residents can sign up for a free membership and get £25 driving credit – worth more than three hours of driving time – by using the code SUFFOLK25. There’s also a special summer offer for Suffolk residents who are already signed up. Simply use Car Clubs before 31 July to get £25 driving credit added to your account and refer a friend to get an extra £25!

Residents can find their nearest vehicle and join Suffolk Car Clubs by visiting the Co Wheels website.

This innovative project is funded by Suffolk’s Public Sector Leaders. On the ground, the Car Clubs are operated by Co Wheels, with chargepoints provided by Connected Kerb and Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Find out more here.