Eden Project has reported it has made big inroads into its running costs by introducing a fleet of 18 electric Renaults one year ago.

The organisation said the vehicles have cost it 4.4p per mile to run, which compares to the 11ppm or more a typical diesel vehicle may cost.

Electric vehicles also have the advantage of not having any tailpipe emissions so are able to work inside Eden's Biomes where diesel or petrol vehicles are unable to because of pollution concerns.

Ian Merchant, Eden’s head of estates, said: “The vehicles have been brilliant for Eden as they fit exactly with our message.

"The vehicles are large enough to do what we require of them and react exactly as a diesel vehicle would.

"It is fantastic to have a modern, smart and efficient fleet that we can be proud to be seen in and which complements Eden’s core values so well.

“The fleet has been a great addition. Because they are all-electric they can go everywhere, including into the Biomes where we are very protective of the health of our plants.”

Eden’s vehicles include the compact hatchback Zoe, Kangoo Van ZE and a brightly-coloured fleet of Twizy quadricycles.

The Kangoo ZEs are used by a variety of Eden teams to ensure the smooth running of the project’s operations.

The Eden events teams use Kangoo Van ZEs to help transport people and equipment for high-profile happenings such as last year’s Dinosaur Uprising and the forthcoming summer blockbuster Journey Into Space.

The Twizy fleet even deputised as Father Christmas’s reindeer for the Christmas period, complete with festive roof antlers.

Events staff at Eden also manage large-scale weddings and corporate events and use the Kangoo ZEs to make sure food, equipment and people are delivered on time.

One of the most eye-catching vehicles on the fleet is the Twizy ambulance, which has enough room for a paramedic, passenger and an array of emergency medical equipment, including a defibrillator and burns kit. It comes complete with blue lights and a siren.

The project’s security team patrol the site and have replaced a diesel vehicle with a combination of Kangoo ZEs and Twizys.

This represents the biggest saving on the whole fleet and has the added advantage of the vehicles being practically silent – an important consideration for overnight guests at the on-site YHA Eden Project.

 

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