Council embraces the future with electric van

The vehicle, a Nissan E-NV200, will be used daily by staff at East Hampshire District Council to run errands and make deliveries across the district

It is part of the council’s environment strategy which lays out how the council will bring environmentally-sustainable projects forward.

Costing only 2p per mile to run, it costs much less then a petrol-powered equivalent.

And with the council’s own charging points at Penns Place, in Petersfield, it saves staff time in refuelling and administration too.

Councillor Adam Carew, the portfolio holder for environment, said: ‘This is fantastic news.

‘Once again we are putting our money where our mouth is and leading by example. Electric vehicles are the future.

‘We are looking into all aspects of the council’s services to cut our carbon emissions as part of our exciting and innovative energy strategy.

‘Not only is it better for the environment, it will also save tax payers’ money.

‘Used on a daily basis for deliveries and other trips, the van demonstrates that operationally it meets the requirements for council business.

‘It also emphasises our leadership in environmental sustainability.

‘I want to thank the officers who have worked hard on the research on low-carbon transport, made the case, and moved to working with a low-carbon alternative.’

The van is the second electric vehicle bought by the council, following the purchase of a Nissan Leaf in the summer.

Both the car and the van are easily identifiable and have bright and attractive livery, supplied by Horndean-based branding company Branditright.

To make use of the Penns Place charge points, users should register now at chargeyourcar.org.uk

For more information on the energy strategy go to easthants.gov.uk/energy-strateg.