Skoda and vehicle conversion company Strongs have developed a new fully electric 4×4 utility vehicle for National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED)
The collaboration has resulted in Skoda’s Enyaq being converted into a light commercial vehicle with all-terrain capability, adapted to provide stowage for specialist equipment used by the electricity distribution network operator’s engineers.
As well as a lightweight bulkhead, high-strength, low-weight plastic materials have been used to ensure the vehicle combines rigorous safety with maximum driving range.
NGED said the vehicle is an important step in addressing the challenge of having a clean fuel vehicle that can deliver the performance needed by engineering crews working in demanding conditions.
Each Enyaq will remove 241g/km of CO2e or 4,820t CO2e per year from NGED’s fleet.
NGED, which distributes electricity to eight million customers in the South West, South Wales and the Midlands, is taking delivery of 70 Enyaqs initially.
As part of its corporate commitment to reach net zero by 2050, the company is moving towards all its vehicles being run on cleaner fuel sources.
Currently, NGED operates more than 300 fully electric commercial vans and 600 electric company cars.
Amy Nash, Skoda area fleet manager for the South West and South Wales, said: “Seeing things differently and finding solutions is something we pride ourselves on and working with NGED to provide a 4×4 EV utility vehicle solution, which is tricky to find in the current market, goes to show how challenging the norm can have brilliant results.”
