Market Engagement for provision of 100% electric cars

Southend on See Borough Council is seeking to engage with the market to gain an understanding of the capacity and appetite to lease five 100% electric cars within Southend on Sea Borough, with an option to provide up to another five for the first 12 months working with the Council to expand provision. The Council currently has two electric pool cars located at the Civic Centre North car park. These pool cars are bookable, operated by an incumbent provider on behalf of the Council and used by the Council's employees on weekdays between 8am and 5pm. The vehicles can also be used by the public 24/7. Due to high demand, the Council requires for the two vehicles to be located at the Civic Centre and further three vehicles to be located elsewhere in the Borough (Short street car park, London Road on-street car park and Hamlet Court Road car park). Charging points and designated EV car club parking bays to be provided by the Council, however will need be taken over as part of the contract and maintained by the car club company during the contract duration. The Council is interested to understand the level of market interest in the lease of five 100% electric cars based on outlines requirements and budget above. The issuing of this document and the carrying out of this Market Engagement does not commit the Council to commencing any related procurement process or to a single means of procurement. In case of an unsatisfactory level of competition in the market able to fulfil the Council's requirements, the Council reserves the right to direct award this contract without commencing a procurement process.