As part of its efforts to reduce overall vehicle emissions, Solihull council has announced the addition of 14 new electric vehicles (EVs) to its council-owned fleet.
The EVs are intended for delivery between now and summer next year, with the electrification of transport being a key part of its ambition to reach net zero by 2030.
What’s more, the investment aligns with its recently updated EV strategy and new action plan to support decarbonised transport options. The selected model is the Toyota Proace City Electric, which will reportedly be used by the internal post team.
The council has said that the switch to an EV can represent savings of a 160 miles (257km) worth of carbon emissions versus the previous combustion engine vehicle.
Electric vehicles are becoming used in an increasing number of applications, the local authority has said, including the maintenance and repair of rural footpaths, the delivery of upgrades to public infrastructure and the provision of wheelchair-accessible mobility services.
Andy Mackiewicz, councillor and cabinet portfolio holder for climate change, planning and housing, said: “When it comes to replacing our vehicles as they come towards the end of their leases, environmental benefits and operational costs are guiding factors in our decisions.
“I’m delighted to see another batch of council vehicles becoming electric.
“With the range of EVs increasing all the time it’s no surprise the vehicles we are procuring are perfectly suitable to carry out their intended tasks.
“Expect to see the ‘100% electric’ branding on the side of various council EVs going forwards, helping to raise awareness of electric vehicles and tying the initiative into the council’s wider climate change campaign, Your Future Solihull.”
Moreover, the council reports that the 14 EVs currently being delivered will result in 38.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent savings during a period of five years. This is in addition to savings from relying on electricity as an energy source, rather than petrol or diesel.
