Garage pushes for more micro-electric vehicles in Oxford

Spanner Works started selling and repairing micro-electric vehicles in July 2022 in a move towards net-zero. 

Owner of Spanner Works, Zack Iqbal, believes this move is "the future" and that the "gridlocked city needs" small compact electric vehicles.

Based in Ferry Hinksey Road in west Oxford, the garage is believed to be the oldest in the city and was founded in 1880.

Micro-electric vehicles (Image: Zack Iqbal)

Speaking on why the garage has started selling and repairing micro-electric vehicles, Mr Iqbal told the Oxford Mail: "Quite simply it’s the future, l am a self-confessed petrol head.

"I love anything with an engine, but times change.

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"Oxford is a gridlocked city. It needs small compact electric vehicles.

"They are green option for those who cannot cycle."

He said his customers have been "intrigued" by what they are doing.

The last open day the garage held (Image: Zack Iqbal)

The garage held an open day in July 2023 where they displayed their micro-electric vehicles.

There is another one planned for Saturday, September 21, starting at 11am at the garage where people can "experience the future of urban mobility in Oxford" and see electric vehicles such as mopeds, motorbikes and scooters first-hand. 

Zack Iqbal, owner of Spanner Works (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Iqbal believes more garages in Oxford should be following suite.

He said: "We need micro-electric vehicles in Oxford.

"They are relatively affordable. They can be charged from a normal plug socket.

"They are perfect for zipping through Oxfords traffic jams.

"The market for small electric vehicles is tiny in the UK, they are much more numerous in other countries like France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and Spain.

"Traditional garages need to adapt - petrol and diesels cars have had their time - the number of ICE vehicles will decline over the next five years, because of government policies."

Mr Iqbal says there are many benefits to micro-electric vehicles, such as low operating costs, easy repair and maintenance, eco-friendly and less noise pollution. 

He added that they are "perfect for short distances" and they are light and portable, making them ideal for skipping traffic jams.

An electric moped in Oxford (Image: Zack Iqbal)

Car manufacturer Volkswagen's website notes that small electric vehicles are "perfect for the city" and that they are "attractive models for novice drivers".

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In 2022 Spanner Works made the switch to First Stop, a national vehicle specialist company, after hearing about the network’s expertise in electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle maintenance.

The garage received a £10,000 makeover from First Stop to give it a "new lease of life".

At the time, Mr Iqbal said: “We have had five successful years here but we want to keep evolving, as the automotive industry never stands still.

"We believe that First Stop will allow us to do this and are open to new ideas and ways of working.”