Amey has launched a new trial with 10 Vauxhall Vivaro-e electric vans across five of its contracts on the UK.

The exercise is expected to highlight what requirements are needed to transition from fossil fuel to electric power for its fleet of maintenance vehicles.

Working in partnership with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Amey says it is continuing to reduce carbon emissions, through the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, across its fleet.

Tom Lawless, Amey’s group fleet and plant director, said: “Trialling the use of electric vehicles across a number of our accounts at Amey will help us to understand any additional challenges each part of the business could face in the adoption of an electric powered fleet, we can then plan for this and ensure we have the necessary solutions in place that facilitate the continued operational effectiveness we expect from our vehicles.

“The benefits to using electric and cleaner alternate fuels are clear. Ensuring we play our part and proactively take steps towards reducing carbon emission to improve the air quality in and around the communities our vehicles operate in, is a responsibility we take seriously.

“Having already made significant progress in reducing the carbon output of our car fleet we’re looking forward to continuing our work with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions and analysing the results from this particular trial to help us transition to green vehicle fuel solutions for our commercial vehicle fleet.”

The trial, which is due to last for six months, will also help Amey and the contracts understand how in the future electric vehicles could be charged and what further infrastructure may be needed to ensure its fleet is fully functioning.

The business has been using EVs since 2016, when it replaced 20 diesel vans with electric ones for use on its Streets Ahead contract in Sheffield.

In 2020, Amey began working with the Carbon Trust to review its approach to carbon management, as well as establishing a Carbon and Climate Change Working Group to progress carbon-reduction activities and contribute to wider industry action and progress.

Amey has already removed all traditional internal combustion engine vehicles from its Company Car Choices List, offers Green Driver Training, increased its cycle to work limit to give employees access to electric bikes, and has transitioned its energy procurement to 100% renewable energy.

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