City of London has purchased three Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs to help protect Epping Forest.

The specially-converted vehicles will be used to patrol and help maintain the forest, and are the first vehicles with an electrified powertrain to be added to the City of London Epping Forest fleet.

Their addition marks the start of the organisation’s shift to a ULEZ-compliant fleet that is dedicated to the renowned conservation area, which spans from Epping in Essex to Manor Park in Greater London.

Martin Newnham, head keeper and constable at Epping Forest, said: “The Outlander PHEV was the best fit for our requirements based on affordability and performance.

“Four-wheel drive was essential but there was also a need for a level of electrification that would help us to lower our carbon footprint and enhance our care of Epping Forest.”

The Outlanders, which have an electric-only range of up to 28 miles, have been converted to full rapid response vehicle specification by Mitsubishi Motors in its dedicated MSVO (Mitsubishi Special Vehicle Operation) division.

Clive Messenger, general manager fleet operations at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, added: “We’re really pleased that our vehicles have been recognised as the best option to help (City of London) make the positive shift to ultra-low emission vehicles without impacting on the invaluable work they do in maintaining and protecting one of the country’s most beautiful environments.”

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