A Different Approach to Traditional Car Rental

At Zimbl, we’re not just a car hire platform; we’re a game-changer for Banbury residents seeking a hassle-free and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicle ownership. Born exactly a year ago, Zimbl has quickly become a beacon of innovation, providing access to brand new electric vehicles (EVs) without the burden of ownership costs. Let’s delve into the core of what we do and the range of services we offer to the Banbury community.

Zimbl EV next to Banbury train station.

Our Simple Yet Powerful Concept

At Zimbl, we believe in simplicity and flexibility. Our platform allows you, the driver, to rent our modern and sleek electric vehicles on an hourly or daily basis. The cost is £8/hour or £80/day. No subscriptions, no membership fees—just pay for the hours you use the vehicle and the corresponding battery usage, charged at a reasonable rate of 30p per kWh. It’s a straightforward approach to car hire that puts you in control.

Banbury-Centric Convenience, Tailored for You

We understand the importance of convenience in your daily life. That’s why we’ve designed Zimbl to cater to your local needs. Our vehicles are delivered and collected from any address within a 5-mile radius of Banbury town centre. This means Zimbl is not just a car hire service; it’s your partner for local commutes, shopping trips, school runs, and leisurely outings. And, for those unexpected moments when your primary vehicle is out of commission, we’ve got you covered.

Driving Sustainability for Banbury

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond providing electric vehicles. We are proud to say that all the vehicles in our fleet are electric, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and air pollution in and around Banbury. Taking it a step further, we exclusively charge our electric cars with 100% biofuel. This isn’t just about cars; it’s about creating a cleaner, healthier environment for you and future generations.

Meet the Faces Behind Zimbl

We’re not just a company; we’re people dedicated to making your experience exceptional. Meet our co-founders: Richard Devitt (middle), Andrew Christoforou (to the right of Richard), and Elton Jones(far left). Richard, the driving force behind our day-to-day operations, ensures that every aspect of our service is seamless. From cleaning and charging vehicles to personally delivering them, Richard goes above and beyond to guarantee your satisfaction.

Ever wondered how we ensure our vehicles are always where you need them? Richard’s secret weapon is his trusty orange foldable electric bike. After delivering a vehicle, he hops on his bike to swiftly return to headquarters or pick up a car from a recently concluded booking. It’s all part of our commitment to being there for you when and where you need us.

The Zimbl team in Banbury

Our Diverse Electric Fleet

We take pride in our diverse fleet of electric vehicles. Our primary workhorses are the MG5 estates, equipped with a robust 55kWh battery that offers an impressive range of 200 miles on a single charge. These versatile vehicles cater to your needs, whether it’s a short commute or an extended journey.

But we understand that sometimes you need more space. Enter the Maxus eDeliver 3, the newest addition to our electric fleet. With a 50kWh battery and a range of approximately 150 miles, this van is your reliable companion for larger cargo needs. And the best part? It comes at the same affordable rate as our hire cars—just £8 per hour or £80 per day.

Zimbl electric van next to home base in Banbury.

Your Seamless Zimbl Experience

At Zimbl, we’re not just providing a service; we’re enhancing your overall experience. By eliminating the need for you to reach a car rental location, we bring the convenience of vehicle delivery to your doorstep. Our goal is to make transportation as seamless and stress-free as possible and eliminate the need for second car ownership when you can simply book a Zimbl when you need it.

Answering Your Queries: FAQs from Zimbl

Cost of Rental:

The cost is straightforward – £8 per hour or £80 for a 24-hour period. We believe in transparent pricing without any hidden fees.

Deposit Requirement:

No deposit is required. When you book with Zimbl, a single pending charge is placed on your card for the booked hours, and a single transaction is processed at the end of your booking.

Charging Costs:

Return the car fully charged, and you won’t incur any extra charges. If the car is not returned fully charged, a fee of 30p per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed during your rental period applies, with the first 5 kWh free for each booking.

Charging Options:

While on the go, you can charge the car at commercial charging stations across the country using the type 2 charging cable provided in the car. You can also charge the EV at home using your charging station or by plugging it into a standard electrical socket using the type 1 charging cable provided in the car. If you’re renting a car with Zimbl for an extended period of time, you might want to consult with us about charging the EV at Zimbl HQ for the unbeatable price of 60p/kWh using our 100kWh Super-Charger (can fully recharge the car in about 30 minutes).

Locking and Unlocking the Car:

Simple! Once you’ve downloaded the Zimbl app, registered and booked your vehicle, simply use our app to lock and unlock the vehicle whenever you need to with one simple button click!

Insurance Inclusion:

Yes, your peace of mind is our priority. The rental price includes insurance coverage throughout your rental period.

Mileage Restrictions:

No need to worry about mileage restrictions with Zimbl. We offer unlimited mileage at no extra cost.

Customer Support:

In case of any issues, Zimbl provides 24/7 customer support. Report any vehicle issues on the app with photos for a prompt resolution by our team or call 07842 41592 to speak to us. Alternatively, fill in our contact form or contact us by email to enquiries@zimbl.co.uk.

Extension of Rental:

Yes, if you need to extend your rental period, you can do so through the app, subject to availability. Bookings can be extended in 15 minute increments for only £2.

Ending Your Booking:

To conclude your booking, drive the Zimbl car back to your designated finishing location, lock the car, press the “Finish Booking” button in the app, and complete the end-of-booking screens.

Transporting Children:

Child seats for ages 0-4 and 4-12 are provided free of charge. Please request this upon your booking and the seats will come pre-installed.

Transporting Dogs:

Zimbl EVs can be equipped to transport dogs. We have a secure dog cage that can be installed in the car boot along with a floor lining, so your pet is cosy and comfortable.

In conclusion, Zimbl is not just a car hire platform; it’s a movement toward sustainable, convenient and affordable mobility for the Banbury community. With our commitment to green practices, a diverse and modern electric vehicle fleet, and an unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service, we are reshaping the way you think about transportation. We encourage you to follow us on social media to stay informed about our ongoing growth and fleet expansion. Who knows – you might find yourself booking a Zimbl EV in the future!