Electric car fleet for Christchurch

Kirsten Corson and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel launched the new electric car scheme this month. Photo / File

A South Island city is about to switch its entire shared-vehicle fleet to electric cars.

Christchurch City Council will swap the pool of 100 traditional combustion engine cars to 100 per cent electric powered beginning in November.

The changeoever represents the largest transition in the Southern Hemisphere.

The general manager of Kiwi fleet management company, Yoogo, said the car sharing model meant electric vehicles were accessible and affordable.

"Cantabrians will pay for the time they use the car and Yoogo takes care of everything else. Users can simply book online and access vehicles via the Yoogo app or swipe card," said Kirsten Corson.

The service would be available for council staff, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch Airport and other specified businesses as well as the public.

The service would initially launch 70 electric vehicles across three city hubs in late November and 30 more would follow in February across 10 locations.

Council project manager Kevin Crutchley said the 100 per cent battery electric transport service was an exciting development for Christchurch.

"New Zealand's electricity is mostly generated from renewable energy so this electric vehicle offering will reduce our city's carbon emissions. Using a transport service with zero tail pipe emissions will improve air quality and have positive health benefits for the residents of Christchurch," said Crutchley.

The electric car fleet will be made up of Hyundai Ioniq and BMWi3 vehicles.