Driving the future: West Suffolk Council’s new electric fleet and charging infrastructure

14 Nov 2024

In a step towards reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable transportation, West Suffolk Council has announced the launch of its new fleet of electric vans, alongside the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at West Suffolk Operational Hub and Haverhill Depot.

The initiative is part of West Suffolk Council’s broader commitment to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change issues and increase environmental resilience through sustainable growth.

The new fleet consists of six electric vans that will support officer operations throughout the district, as well as four electric sweepers and some non-road mobile machinery. The EVs offer a range of up to 186 miles on a single charge, ensuring efficient and reliable service without the environmental impact of petrol or diesel vehicles. The EV fleet is expected to save 1tCO2 per van each year. Electric vehicles now make up 6% of the council's entire fleet which include machinery such as lawn mowers, RCVs and vans.

There are 7kW chargers for overnight use or longer stops, as well as one 50kW duel socket rapid charger at each depot for faster charging between site visits. The chargers were funded by the West Suffolk Decarbonisation Initiative Fund and OZEV Workplace Charging scheme.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “Transitioning to electric vehicles is a crucial step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. With the electric fleet and chargers, we are not only reducing our environmental impact, but also adopting efficient and eco-friendly technology to support our long-term environmental targets.”

Cllr Dave Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council, said: “Adopting the electric vans and sweepers have allowed us to enhance air quality in pedestrianised areas and towns by reducing tailpipe emissions and noise pollution, whilst also decreasing fuel and maintenance costs. Energy supplied to the chargers and our building estate is from West Suffolk Council’s own solar farm at Toggam and the solar installations at our depot sites. This shift not only supports our sustainability goals but assists our progress to be net zero by 2030.”

Luke, a EV sweeper operative for West Suffolk Council, said: “The new EV sweeper is easy to manoeuvre, quick to charge and great for the environment. Compliments from the public come in daily about the effective and efficient way the machine works.”

For more information about West Suffolk Council tackling climate change, visit: Tackling climate change

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