Small businesses in Durham are being invited to try an electric van for free before they buy.
Small and medium-sized businesses can apply for a short- or long-term loan of an electric van. The vans, which will be free to loan for up to three weeks, are funded by Durham County Council as part of its climate emergency plan. The scheme aims to encourage smaller businesses to cut their carbon emissions.
Cllr Mark Wilkes, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, Durham County Council, said: “There are many small and medium-sized businesses across the county who we know care passionately about their impact on the environment, and who would like to do more to reduce their fuel costs and emissions, but making the switch to an electric commercial vehicle can be daunting.
“The option to borrow a van gives businesses the perfect opportunity to find out more, and to see first-hand the fuel savings available, before they commit.”
At the end of the loan scheme, the electric vans will be absorbed into the council’s fleet, to replace older, less efficient vehicles. To access the offer, businesses need to apply to Durham County Council’s Business Energy Efficiency Project.
