Electricity distributor is trialling eight electric Renault Kangoo vans
UK Power Networks (UKPN), Britain's biggest electricity distributor, is rolling out a new fleet electric vans across its engineering fleet in a bid to cut carbon emissions and air pollution.
UKPN revealed plans today to trial eight new all-electric Renault Kangoo vans in London, where an Ultra Low Emissions Zone will set tight new air quality rules for vehicles entering the capital from April 2019.
Engineers will use the electric vans from depots in Brixton, Camden, Canning Town, and Falconwood, responding to call outs across London to address electricity supply issues.
"We are committed to being the most environmentally responsible and lowest cost electricity network operator," said Patrick Clarke, UKPN director of network operations. "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."
UKPN is in charge of delivering electric power to the South East region of the UK, one of the fastest-growing markets for electric vehicle (EV) use.
Almost a third of EVs sold in the UK connect to UKPN's system, and by 2030 the company estimates it will connect 4.1 million electric vehicles to its networks across London, the South East, and East of England.
The company also announced today that EVs are now available to UKPN employees eligible for a company car. To support the switch to electric models, the company said it is installing 27 charging points across 14 company offices and depots, which will be powered in part by on-site solar generation.