Coventry Council is helping local businesses switch to electric vehicles by offering the use of four battery-powered Mercedes-Benz eSprinters.
The vans, supplied by local dealer Midlands Truck & Van are on offer to those working in and around the city for free extended trials.
The move is part of a wider aim by the council to cut pollution and improve air quality in Coventry.
Participants in the ‘Electric Fleet First’ scheme are offered the use of a van or car for at least two months. All are fitted with telematics systems providing data on usage patterns and allowing calculations to be made on potential reductions in running costs.
The council is also providing support and advice on integrating electric vehicles into established fleets, as well as grants and assistance with the provision and installation of connection points from approved partner EO Charging, which it said could create savings of up to £500 per charger.
The council began the scheme by offering one Mercedes-Benz eSprinter but has added another three via Midlands Truck & Van in Coventry to meet the growing demand from local businesses.
The eSprinter is powered by a 114 hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. It can travel 95 miles (combined WLTP with 80 km/h speed limiter) on a single charge making it suitable for most urban delivery and ‘last mile’ applications.
The vehicle is based on the L2 medium length and H2 high roof Sprinter. Its 55 kWh high-voltage battery pack is securely mounted beneath the body, so does not impinge on cargo carrying space.
Read more
- Hermes commits to 168 Mercedes-Benz eSprinters after successful trials
- Mercedes-Benz dealer reveals new eActros and shows eSprinter at ITT Hub
- Thermo King joins forces with Mercedes Benz to develop the eSprinter Pharma van
As a result, the eSprinter’s 11m3 load volume is identical to that of its diesel-engined, front-wheel drive stablemate, and half a cubic metre larger than the rear-wheel drive equivalent.
Five other English local authorities are running similar schemes with Highways Agency backing, the others being Bristol, Kent, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “This is a great scheme that’s supporting local businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles. By enabling risk-free trials, we’re showing businesses that now is the right time to make the move to electric.
“With the 2030 deadline for the manufacture of petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, there has never been a better time for companies to invest in this green form of transport.”
Amy Shakespeare, Coventry’s Electric Fleet first project leader, added: “We aim to support local businesses who want to explore their options, by allowing them to trial an electric vehicle for an extended period in their day-to-day work, but without any need for a big financial commitment.
“The Mercedes-Benz eSprinters are the biggest vans on our electric fleet and as such they offer a practical option for operators who need lots of space to carry large cargoes.
“There’s been a great deal of demand for these vehicles from business operators, which is why we now run four of them.
“They’re generating a lot of interest and we hope that by becoming a talking point among local companies, and being seen out on the street, they’ll help to raise the profile of electric vehicles across the city.”
Midlands Truck & Van sales executive David McKay, who managed Coventry Council’s orders, added: “The Electric Fleet First scheme is a fantastic way to introduce people to the potential benefits our electric Mercedes-Benz vans can deliver, so we are delighted to support the authority’s forward-looking initiative.”
