Western Power Distribution
Electricity company Western Power Distribution (WPD) has switched two of its service and maintenance vans to battery power.
The electricity distribution network operator has deployed Smith Edison electric vans in Plymouth and Cardiff. If trials of the first two vehicles are successful, WPD will look at introducing more battery-powered vans into its fleet.
The Smith Edison panel van is a pure electric version of the Ford Transit that is driven by an electric motor and powered by leading edge lithium-ion batteries. Designed and built in the UK by Smith Electric Vehicles, Edison has a top speed of 50mph and a range of up to 80 miles on a single battery charge. A full recharge takes six to eight hours.
“Electric vans are ideal for our fleet, as a large proportion of our service and maintenance vehicles travel well under100 miles a day. The Edison is easy to drive, costs just pennies per mile to run and compared to a typical diesel van, every Edison will save us hundreds of kilos in carbon emissions each year.
We are constantly looking for innovative technology that can reduce our carbon footprint and electric vehicles are one solution. The first two vans have settled in well and we continue to evaluate their performance. If they meet all our expectations, we will look at rolling out more electric vans across our fleet.
”John Brooks, WPD's Transport Manager
