New fully electric Volvo fleet for Eden Project

A new fleet of pure electric cars from Volvo Car UK has joined the Eden Project to support its operations across Cornwall and further afield.

The fleet of nine new fully electric XC40 cars have replaced a previous group of Volvo electric vehicles (EVs), which have been supporting the Eden Project’s work while wrapped in a Rainforest Biome-themed livery since 2021.

The previous fleet has been returned to Volvo and will enjoy a second life with new owners.

The new fleet will provide transport around the Eden Project site for both staff and visitors, as well as being used for journeys beyond the Cornwall site.

Multiple teams at Eden use the vehicles daily, from operations, Eden Sessions and event staff through to site managers and paramedics.

Rita Broe, managing director of the Eden Sessions and Eden Project director, said: “It’s very exciting to have taken delivery of this fleet of beautiful new pure electric cars.

“Not only do they help us to do our work around the Eden site and beyond, they are also very popular with visitors, who enjoy seeing them around the site, and they are emblematic of the values that we share with Volvo in protecting the natural world.”

She added: “We’re very proud of our relationship with Volvo, which truly walks the talk on sustainable manufacturing and products.

“We are planning many joint activities with Volvo, which will help to educate a wider audience about the benefits of electric vehicles.”

The new fleet vehicles feature a livery, which reflects the Eden site with Biome and rainforest imagery.

The updated design incorporates the new Eden Project brand world, which was unveiled at the end of 2023, including the new logo.

As the official electric car partner of the Eden Project, Volvo Car UK is committed to educating audiences about the benefits of EVs and the importance of ethical production in the automotive industry.

An additional fully electric XC40 will be on display in one of the main car parks near the visitor centre, to showcase the benefits of EVs and inform thousands of Eden Project visitors.

Eden will also take delivery of Volvo’s new EX30, which will be exhibited in a specially landscaped and planted parking space outside Eden’s Biomes to help inspire visitors about how they can boost the biodiversity of their own driveway.

Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the Eden Project with its vital work in educating and inspiring people to protect the planet and create a safer future for everyone.

“At Volvo Cars, we have some of the most ambitious sustainability targets in the industry, so the Eden Project is the ideal partner for us to work with to share our values and vision and continue to be a catalyst for change.”

Volvo are one of 34 manufacturer brands that have signed up to this year's Company Car in Action (CCIA) which takes place at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, on June 12-13. 

The fleet test-driving event of the year, which will feature a host of exclusive first drives for fleet decision-makers, including the Omoda 5 SUV, the first UK car from the Chery-owned Chinese new entrant, Polestar 3, and Ford’s electric Explorer. Nissan will also unveil its full-electric Interstar van at the event.

To register for CCIA, click here.