Twizys At Beaulieu Spark New Forest 'Green' Revolution

BEAULIEU, UNITED KINGDOM – Marc 25, 2013: As part of the celebrations of English Tourism Week, VisitEngland Chief Executive, James Beresford, launched The New Forest’s newest ‘green’ initiative – the Twizy, at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Beaulieu was one of the first sites in Hampshire to join a government initiative to install electric charge points in 2011. The electric charger has two plug-in points and is able to charge two vehicles simultaneously, allowing electric vehicle drivers to conveniently recharge their batteries whilst visiting the Beaulieu attraction.

The New Forest is the country’s first destination to offer a fleet of Twizy electric vehicles with a comprehensive charge point network as a fun and innovative way to explore its stunning scenery.

The Twizy two-seaters will offer a truly ‘green’ stay for visitors who can arrive at the main train station at Brockenhurst, hire a Twizy and make use of a network of 20 charge points at hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and attractions throughout the New Forest.

The funky electric vehicles can reach a top speed of 50mph and travel for up to 62 miles after charging as they drive around the New Forest’s pretty towns, villages and panoramic coastline saving money and carbon all day long.

The new fleet reinforces the New Forest’s approach to tourism, staying old but forever new with its 150 miles of car-free cycles paths and Green Leaf scheme where you can ‘pick’ Green Leaf places to stay, eat and visit which meet strict eco standards.

The £49-a-day Twizy rental package comes with a Brand New Forest Card which offers hundreds of discounts at pubs, restaurants and attractions which are part of the charge point network. So leave your Twizy charging for free while you head off to enjoy yourself!

Six of the charge points are at Fullers pubs, while others include Cycle Experience bike hire and New Forest Activities, where you can leave your Twizy charging while you head out to enjoy some action-packed adventure including canoeing, kayaking, archery, combat games or guided walks.

The New Forest is the UK’s first destination with such a comprehensive charge point network, which also makes it an ideal place for all electric car owners to visit. There has never been a better time to visit, with the introduction of the Book Direct Price

Promise which guarantees the lowest stay prices available anywhere online if you book direct on your hotel’s website.

Anthony Climpson, New Forest Employment & Tourism Manager, said: “The new Twizy scheme puts us at the forefront of UK tourism, as one of the country’s top destinations leading the way in sustainable development.

“We are proud to be the first to launch a Twizy fleet with a whole network of charge points. I’m sure that visitors will find them a fun, new way to discover all that the beautiful New Forest has to offer and keep them coming back for more!

“It’s up to us to come up with new ways to ensure the New Forest’s rare qualities, which were first recognised by William the Conqueror when he named it as his ‘new hunting forest’ 1,000 years ago, remain special for future generations.”

Stephen Vine, from New Forest Environmental which runs the Twizys, said: “The Twizy is designed for urban areas but we’ve found a role for it as a fun recreational vehicle in the countryside. We’ve created a major alternative use which is enjoyable, adventurous and introduces the benefits of electric vehicles.’’