East Devon Council becomes one of the first councils in the country to add seven Nissan ENV200 electric vans to its fleet
East Devon District Council has become one of the first councils in the country to add seven new environmentally-friendly electric Nissan ENV200 vans to its fleet.
The move is part of the council’s action plan to lead by example and become carbon neutral by 2030. It also plans to convert more of its fleet to electric over the next few years.
The new Nissan ENV200s electric vans, which are powered by rechargeable batteries and have a range between 124 and 187 miles, represent the latest step in the council’s wider commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The vehicles have a bespoke caged tipping body to ensure they meet operational needs.
As well as the new fleet, East Devon District Council has also partnered with award-winning supplier and installer of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, Elmtronics.
They provided the council with specialist advice and support enabling them to decide on the Alfen Eve Dual Smart Charger for their Nissan ENV200 vehicles, complete with load-balancing technology.
Connected through an award-winning back office management system, Hubsta, the platform allows the council to have total visibility and control of its EV charging infrastructure, usage, emissions saved and energy utilised.
Elmtronics also supplied 4 Dual Smart Charging stations for the electric vans in the first phase of the EV Charging Infrastructure, with plans to double this at a second site in Exmouth. The infrastructure installed can be increased over time to occupy more vehicles.
Having the right charging infrastructure and systems in place ensures this project is easily scalable when the council is ready.
Councillor Marianne Rixson, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for Climate Action, said: “I am really excited to hear that our Council has started to convert our fleet of vans to more environmentally-friendly vehicles, which clearly demonstrates our commitment to climate action. It is great news too that we have partnered with an experienced supplier and installer of smart electric vehicle charging equipment, which will be installed at our depots.”
Natasha Fry, Elmtronics’ associate consultant, understands how crucial it is for organisations to invest in advanced technologies to support “mission critical” fleets.
She said: “East Devon District Council collaborated with some of the most respected and trusted organisations in fleet from vehicle choice, body specification, funding and of course EV Charging Infrastructure. This just demonstrates how engaging with the right people at the right time can help the Council deliver a cleaner, greener more sustainable future to the members of the public and we have been delighted to be a part of this.”
CPD Bodies won a contract with VETH Automotive Holland to be the sole convertor of the Nissan ENV200. Cathal Doocey and his team worked closely with the council and provided them with the right vehicle to carry out specialised jobs across their district.
Cathal Doocey, managing director, CPD Bodies, added: “I was so happy to see the first of this kind of order go through a local authority. Everyone is trying their hardest to improve their carbon footprint and for East Devon District Council to do so shows a massive leap of faith. All the communication we’ve had with them has been very constructive and as I say, I couldn’t be happier.”
