Skoda Enyaq converted to LCV for National Grid

National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has developed an electric off-road utility vehicle in partnership with Skoda and Strongs.

Using a Skoda Enyaq as a base, the car has been converted to an LCV with all-terrain capability

The Enyaq has been fitted with a lightweight bulkhead and adapted to provide the stowage needed for specialist equipment used by the electricity distribution network operator’s engineers.

Chris Mayell, NGED Transport Manager, said: “Working with Strongs, we identified the potential of the Enyaq and started thinking creatively about turning it into a fully electric vehicle that meets operational needs for certain job roles, while reducing emissions in the communities we serve.”

Strongs worked closely with Skoda and the DVSA to ensure the Enyaqs’ conversion complied with all relevant standards to allow it to be registered as an LCV.

The Enyaq is an important step in addressing the challenge of having a clean fuel vehicle that can deliver the performance needed by engineering crews working in demanding conditions. Each Enyaq will remove 241g/km of CO2e, or 4,820t of CO2e per year, from NGED’s fleet, the equivalent of planting around 200 trees to offset the CO2 emitted.

Simon Gregory, Strongs director, said: “There were no off-the-shelf solutions within the commercial motor trade that could fulfil this demanding and environmentally challenging list of requirements.

“NGED had to look outside their normal route to market to be able to facilitate their operational requirements. The NGED team were outstanding in enabling us to develop type approval on this unique product and we hope it will continue to find new opportunities for easing one of the biggest challenges in the industry.”

NGED, which distributes electricity to 8 million customers in the South West, South Wales and the Midlands, is taking delivery of 70 Enyaqs initially.

As part of its corporate commitment to reach net zero by 2050, the company is moving towards all its vehicles being run on cleaner fuel sources.

Amy Nash, Skoda area fleet manager for the South West and South Wales, said: “Skoda UK were delighted to be offered the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting new venture. Seeing things differently and finding solutions is something we pride ourselves on and working with NGED to provide a 4x4 EV utility vehicle solution, which is tricky to find in the current market, goes to show how challenging the norm can have brilliant results.

“We are really proud of the work all parties have put in to make this a reality and look forward to seeing how these specially prepared vehicles deliver in their new role.”