West Lothian Council has taken delivery of three all-electric Nissan e-NV200 vans and seven Nissan LEAFs.
The challenge:
Under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 West Lothian Council have a long-term target to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 80% in 2050 relative to 1990, with an interim target to reduce emissions by 42% in 2020 relative to 1990.
The approach:
The council is committed to looking after the environment and to reducing carbon emissions and it was agreed that all electric Nissan Leaf and e-NV200 commercial vehicles would complement the existing measures which are being taken to reduce mileage, including car sharing and video conferencing.
The solution:
The council selected Midlothian-based Nissan dealership Alex F Noble & Son to supply the vehicles via Public Sector leasing specialist Automotive Leasing on a contract hire agreement. As part of the Scottish Government’s Grant scheme the vehicles are fully-funded by Transport Scotland for three years.
The Nissan Leafs will be used to supplement the council’s pool vehicles at various locations throughout the region while the three vans will be used by teams in Waste Services, Building Services and Community Transport and are the first electric vans on the fleet.
Tom Conn, West Lothian Council’s Executive Councillor for the Environment, said:
“We are delighted to accept the new electric vehicles to our fleet, which brings the total number of electric vehicles to thirteen. The vehicles are a great addition being environmentally friendly with zero exhaust emissions.
“The council is committed to looking after the environment and to reducing carbon emissions and the new vehicles complement the existing measures which are being taken to reduce mileage, including car sharing and video conferencing.”
Judith Eadie, Automotive Leasing’s Account Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said:
“Automotive Leasing are delighted to work in partnership with West Lothian Council and Alex F Noble & Son to deliver the electric fleet of both cars and commercials for use within the Council. Using our local Nissan dealer is vital to us as knowledge and understanding of how our customers work enables a professional, first class service which consistently meets our high expectations.”
Jim Rowan, EV specialist at Alex F Noble & Son, said:
“We’re very encouraged to see West Lothian Council investing in Nissan with the addition of seven Leaf cars and three electric vans to their fleet.
“Alex F Noble & Son has developed excellent working partnerships with numerous councils within the central belt of Scotland and in partnership with Automotive Leasing, we very much look forward to continue to be of service to West Lothian Council in the ongoing development and maintenance of their zero emission vehicle fleet.”
About the author
Judith Eadie is Account Director (Scotland and Northern Ireland) for LeasePlan UK’s Public Sector brand Automotive Leasing.
Judith has a keen interest in Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) and was recognized as Green Fleet Low Carbon Champion in 2014.
View Judith’s profile on Linked In here.
