Portsmouth City Coucil Goes Green!
Portsmouth City Council Transport Operations team led by James Roberts have recently undertaken an in-depth fleet review as to the most practical and cost effective full electric vehicle solution for small to medium size commercial vehicles. By accessing The Procurement Partnership Ltd’s (TPPL) framework agreement, the council was able to appoint leasing partners Southern Motor Contracts Ltd, and it was decided the Renault Kangoo Maxi Electric would best suit the needs of Portsmouth City Council.
James Roberts said, “with the clean air zone (CAZ) being introduced into the Portsmouth area it is really important that the council leads the way in making its fleet as green as possible”.
Fleet Transport Operations Officer for the Council, Tony Jefferson, explained that the Renault Kangoo electric offered the same generous load capacity to the diesel equivalent with ultra-low running costs and Zero emissions. Tony continued, the Renault Kangoo was the obvious choice in terms of electric range reducing our operatives concerns on range anxiety. It is the most practical solution and with support via TPPL and Renault it ensured we enjoyed the most cost effective option.
Managing Director, Mark Baumfield, of the leasing provider, Southern Motor Contracts Ltd, confirmed his commitment to work closely with Portsmouth City Council in continually reviewing the operating costs of the vehicles whilst on fleet. Mark commented that the work doesn’t stop with just the supply of the vehicles, it is critical that we understand and report regularly on the whole life costs of running electric vehicles.
The deployment of the first 5 vans has now taken place to the “Green and Clean” team at the Council and the leader of the service, Mr. Phil Bentley, echoed the comments of the Fleet Department as to how critical it is that Portsmouth City Council move to operating the most environmentally friendly vehicles possible.
