EV leasing company DriveElectric is suppling electric vehicles for Orkney’s smart energy island project.
ReFlex (responsible flexibility) Orkney is a multi-partner £28.5m project that aims to maximise the potential for renewable energy generation in Orkney and ultimately eliminate the need for fossil fuels.
To increase the use of low-carbon vehicles, Reflex has an EV leasing model offering a range of EVs from superminis to estate cars including Renault Zoes and Teslas. There is also a selection of vans available, all supplied by DriveElectric.
Furthermore, there are financial incentives for early adoption to help customers avoid large upfront costs.
Gareth Davies, managing director of ReFlex Orkney, said: “We are pleased to be working with DriveElectric to encourage early adoption of low-carbon technologies, including electric vehicles.
“This is very timely with the UK government recently announcing an end of the sale of new petrol and diesel and cars by 2030 as part of an ambitious plan for a green industrial revolution, and yet again Orkney is ahead of the curve, ready to demonstrate to the nation how it can be done.”
According to Reflex, the project demonstrates the flexibility in the energy system by using technologies such as batteries, EVs, smart chargers and smart meters. It is part funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and match funded by private investment.
Since 2013, Orkney has generated all of its electricity demand annually from renewables.
