EVs added to network operator’s fleet
UK Power Networks has become the first of London's utility networks to put electric vehicles (EVs) on the capital's roads, as part of its operational fleet.
4th October 2018 by Networks
The company is trialling eight electric Renault Kangoo vans in its fleet to help improve air quality for future generations and further reduce its carbon footprint, already down by 16.7% since 2015.
Engineers made their first journey in the new EVs to Archbishop Sumner School in Kennington, central London, an area that will be covered by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) when it is introduced in 2019.
UK Power Networks, which is a member of the Mayor of London’s EV Infrastructure Taskforce, is gearing up to connect an estimated 4.1 million EVs to its networks across London, the South East and East of England by 2030. Nearly a third of EVs already sold in the UK connect onto UK Power Networks’ system and the network operator has been at the forefront of pioneering smart grid technology that is enabling decarbonisation of transport in buses, taxis, on-street, home and fleet operations.
Patrick Clarke, UK Power Networks director of network operations, said: “We are leading the development of a smart, flexible grid to support EVs, improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint. Piloting EVs in our fleet and introducing EVs to the company car list is improving the environment for communities now and investing in the health of future generations.
“We are committed to being the most environmentally responsible and lowest cost electricity network operator. EVs will help further reduce our carbon footprint and boost air quality, which is especially important in areas where children live and play, near busy main roads.”
Twenty-seven charge points are being installed across 14 of the company’s offices and depots and the electricity network plans to power the charge points with on-site solar generation at six of the locations.
The network operator has also announced that it is introducing the first fully electric car to its company car list. The addition of the Renault Zoe will give staff the active choice to switch to EVs.
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