Leeds City Council has launched a new scheme to encourage businesses to switch to ultra-low emission vans after taking delivery of 122 all-electric Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 models.
Most of the vans will be used in the delivery of a wide range of services across the city, but 20 will be made available to local businesses through its new EV Trials Scheme.
The scheme, launched in partnership with Highways England, will allow West Yorkshire businesses and organisations to enjoy a completely free trial of an electric van per company for up to two months.
Each van will be equipped with telematics devices which gather journey and charging data. Users will receive a tailored report highlighting the findings, and the environmental and potential financial benefits that transitioning to an electric vehicle can generate for their business or organisation.
The additions to Leeds City Council’s fleet will boost the number of pure EVs it uses to more than 330. Councillor James Lewis, Deputy Leader at Leeds City Council, said, “Leeds City Council already operate more electric vehicles than any other local authority and we are a proud signatory of the Clean Van Commitment. We’re looking forward to sharing the benefits of these vans free of charge with businesses and charities across West Yorkshire as part of our EV Trials scheme.”
Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said, “We are delighted that the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 has such a significant role in not only transforming the efficiency of Leeds City Council’s fleet, but that its deployment in the Authority’s new EV Trials Scheme will also help many of the city’s businesses experience how electric vehicles can, literally, work for them.”
