MIDLOTHIAN Council in partnership with NHS Lothian, have made further electrifying additions to their vehicle fleets having taken delivery recently of three all-electric Nissan e-NV200 vans, supplied by Nissan dealer Alex F Noble & Son.
The e-NV200 vans, which are automatic and cost around £3,500 a year to lease, run for around 80 miles before the batteries need recharged.
The vehicles also recharge their battery as it slows and efficient driving can have a major effect on the range that the vehicle can be operated.
Councillor Derek Rosie, Midlothian’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is a great example of partnership working.
“The council and the NHS, based at the new community hospital in Bonnyrigg, are leasing the all-electric vans with the help of the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Scheme.
“As a council, we now have eight electric vehicles, including three pool cars. These vehicles are not only greener, thereby helping to cut Midlothian’s carbon footprint, but they are also cost effective. For example, fully charging the battery is just £2.08 with estimates suggesting this will equate to basic running costs of 2 pence a mile”.
Cllr Rosie concluded: “The new van will be great for moving around council records and goods.”
NHS Lothian is also using its two new vans for transporting records.
Councillor Jim Bryant, Cabinet Member for Commercial Operations, said: “We are very proud of our commitment to being greener. The vehicles too, are great to drive. Our pool cars are going down well with staff once they get the feel of driving one.”
Jim Rowan, EV specialist at Alex F Noble & Son, said: “We’re very encouraged to see Midlothian Council and NHS Lothian investing in Nissan with the addition of three electric vans to their fleets.
“Alex F Noble & Son has developed excellent working partnerships with numerous councils and organisations within the central belt of Scotland and we very much look forward to continue to be of service to both Midlothian Council and NHS Lothian in the ongoing development and maintenance of their zero emission vehicle fleets.”
