E-cocars stalled by theft

27th May 2024 The Totnes Pulse

The innovative Totnes car club E-cocars are reeling from a theft that has rendered one of the fleet to be out of action since February this year.

E-cocars are one of the first in the country to use high-tech computer systems to make car-sharing accurate, convenient and simple for members.THe item stolen was a telematics unit fitted directly into the car’s immobiliser and drive to control access for members, calculate mileage and keep the club informed where the car is. It contains an NFC reader, Bluetooth, and a mobile phone SIM card which gives access to all networks.

…it’s completely out of service.

The cars are unlocked with an app or keycard and available to use via an online calendar system. The theft has hampered the clubs’ cars availablity and on top of the extra work required to rectify the situation is the high costs of replacement and damage caused.

Expensive

Steve Rogers who manages E-cocars said “The car was immobilised by the theft, and until the ECU is either reprogrammed or replaced it won’t move, so it’s completely out of service.”

With costs including paying to have the vehicle transported to a repairer, orders for a telematics unit and shipping from Switzerland along with potential replacement the cars electronic control unit, this theft may well end up being £4,500.

E-cocars are still waiting on word from insurers.

The Police have said the case is unresolved and have advised that it is reasonable for the CCTV footage to be made public.

If you have any information or recognise either of the thieves, the car club, police and club members would be very grateful.