Councils seek greener vehicle alternatives

Improvements in the electric vehicle industry have prompted Adur & Worthing Councils to begin testing all-electric vans, leading the way to reducing fleet running costs and creating a cleaner, greener environment.

Even with an accelerating digital agenda, Adur & Worthing Councils haven’t gone entirely paperless just yet.  In addition to the meeting papers, mail items and equipment which need to be moved around on a daily basis, the Councils have many members of staff who criss-cross the District and Borough in the course of their daily duties.

In order to reduce fleet fuel bills - and contribute to improvements in local air quality - the Councils are actively considering opportunities to replace their diesel powered fleet with the latest electric vehicles at the next scheduled upgrade opportunity

With this in mind, a Nissan e-NV200 was recently trialled by the Business Services team, after recent advances in battery technology have made all-electric vehicles an increasingly attractive option with faster charging times and increased ranges, meaning that teams can keep going for longer before top-ups.

Councillor Angus Dunn, Executive Member for Resources at Adur District Council, said:

“It’s fantastic that both Councils are looking into more environmentally friendly alternatives for their couriers, showing how committed we are to reducing our carbon footprint over the coming years. As we look to make the environment greener, it makes sense to start here with the overall aim of operating more than one such vehicle in the near future.”

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Resources, Councillor Mark Nolan, adds:

“We have every intention to explore replacing our existing diesel fuelled vans with these all electric vehicles, leading the way for other Councils to follow suit. We’re dedicated to continuously balancing fiscal responsibility with improving the environment; and we can make a start on both of these objectives through the purchase of such vehicles.”

Martin Hosier, Facilities Officer at Adur & Worthing Councils, comments:

“"Having first evaluated electric vehicles several years ago, it was remarkable to find just how far the technology had progressed.  The van we have been evaluating is leaps and bounds beyond those early vehicles and is comparable in every way to the normal commercial vehicles that we currently operate - it could be a genuinely practicable alternative to diesel and petrol powered vehicles."

During the trial, the e-NV200 was described as being surprisingly quiet - so much so that when standing next to it it was not readily apparent that the engine is running.  This quiet running will also contribute to lowering noise levels on busy roads, further improving the local environment.

In order to put an all-electric vehicle on the fleet, Adur & Worthing Councils would have to apply for a government grant to assist with the purchase price, further improving the financial attractiveness of the all-electric option.  If a grant is made to the Councils, then it is hoped that the first vehicle will arrive on the fleet by the end of 2015.