Smart energy storage systems manufacturer sonnen, in partnership with Carbar, has launched an EV subscription service, sonnenDrive, in Australia.

This is the first time sonnenDrive has been offered to customers outside of Europe and its introduction reflects the growing demand among Australians for cleaner and more affordable mobility solutions.

It will let customers choose from six different vehicles when launched, starting at $319 a week for a new 2020 MG ZS EV to $447 for a new Tesla Model 3.

The sonnenDrive is only available to sonnen customers. Through the pay-as-you-go subscription model, sonnen customers can evaluate if an EV is right for them without the commitment of buying. There are no lock-in contracts and unlike other shared services, sonnenDrive customers will have exclusive use of the EV, with the weekly subscription payment covering everything from registration, insurance, maintenance, servicing and roadside assistance.

Under the partnership, Carbar will be responsible for the administration of the subscription program, including delivering, maintaining and servicing all vehicles. For sonnen, this partnership is a step towards a further expansion of the company as a new energy provider by offering households an integrated technology and service solution for switching to clean energy. This solution comprises of a solar home battery, energy offers, participation in Virtual Power Plants and now e-mobility.

“Producing your own, clean energy for your home and using it for e-mobility is a natural combination. sonnenDrive makes it easier for customers to take their energy independence on the road by providing flexible, affordable access to an EV and powering it with clean energy,” sonnen Australia, APAC chief executive Nathan Dunn says.

“We’ve partnered with Carbar to launch sonnenDrive in Australia as our customers tell us they want to be able to live an even more sustainable lifestyle by extending their energy independence to e-mobility. With Carbar, sonnen is offering greater flexibility to swap between EV models as their needs change – just like their modular home energy storage system that can expand with their energy needs.”