Fleets in Scotland given hybrid van test drive

Fleet managers have the chance to test drive a hybrid light commercial van at the GreenFleet Scotland event next month.

Ashwoods has supplied a total of 32 hybrid vans and three hybrid minibuses to public sector fleets, through Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme (LCVPSS). Customers include the councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Falkirk, Moray, North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire, plus NHS Ayrshire.

Councillor Tom Barr, portfolio holder for the environment at North Ayrshire Council, said: “It is important to remember that the benefits of energy efficiency are twofold.

“Not only do we ensure that we are doing our best to save the environment from the effects of carbon emissions – we are saving money while doing so. This is especially important at a time when finances are tight.”

Ashwoods Hybrid Transit recovers energy lost during deceleration and turns it into power, through an electric torque assist. The engine therefore does not have to work as hard, resulting in fuel consumption savings of up to 25%. Because the hybrid system is entirely self-powered, the vans never need to be plugged in for a battery charge. And unlike pure electric vehicles, hybrids are not restricted to low mileage duties.

Competitive finance is available, starting from £335 per month for a RWD Ford Transit fitted with Hybrid Drive.

Ashwoods Hybrid Transit will be available for test drives at GreenFleet Scotland 2011, which takes place in at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, on September 1.