The City of London Corporation has adopted three LDV EV80 pure electric vans, bringing it a step closer to realising its goal of being the first authority to run a fully zero-emission fleet.

The EV80, which is manufactured by the largest automotive company in China, SAIC Maxus, and distributed in the London area by Heathrow LDV, will help the City Corporation deliver of some of its key services across London.

The vehicles will service the Barbican Library in the Square Mile, the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor Park and the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport.

The EV80 is the first fully electric vehicle launched within Heathrow LDV’s stable of commercial vehicles. It has a 120-mile range on a single charge and can be fully charged in less than 90 minutes.

Jeremy Simons, chair of the City of London Corporation’s Environmental Services Committee, said: “We all have an important role to play in reducing emissions from our vehicles.

“Given our commitment to a clean fleet, selecting a pure electric vehicle was an easy decision for us.

“These vehicles are the right fit in terms of environmental credentials and specifications, with exceptional range from a single charge.

“We will continue to take steps to ensure that we are reducing emissions from our fleet.”

Mark Barrett, general manager of LDV UK and Ireland, added: “Electric-powered vehicles are fast becoming the new norm and more and more fleet buyers and van drivers are moving from fuel-dependent engines to hybrids and pure-electric models.

“Such a move is an investment in the future of a fleet and the future of the planet, and there has never been a better time to make the change to emission-free fleets.”

The vehicles are fitted with a Brigade Quiet Vehicle Sounder and white noise reversing rear for enhanced pedestrian and cyclist safety. Full driver training will be provided to City Corporation staff by the team at Heathrow LDV.

The adoption of the LDV EV80s comes after the City of London Corporation awarded a new tech-driven waste collection, street cleansing and ancillary services contract to Veolia – covering the Square Mile.

As part of the contract, the City Corporation aims to become the first authority in the UK to run a fully electric fleet of refuse collection vehicles.

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