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Electric vehicles plan changes gear

A FLEET of all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs has arrived in the region as the next stage of low carbon trials in the North East gets motoring.

As part of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) run by Cenex, the UK’s first centre of excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies, two cars will become part of the fleet at Gateshead Council, two at Newcastle City Council, one at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and one at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

The i-MiEVs arrive in the region following the successful Green Vehicle Congress 2010 event that was held by Cenex in Gateshead in March, and will form the next phase of the ‘Smart Move’ trial, a major part of the collaboration between Cenex and regional development agency One North East.

Cenex CEO Robert Evans said: “Cenex is pleased to continue our collaboration with One North East on electric vehicle deployment via this extension to our joint Smart Move project.

The i-MiEV deployed in the Smart Move project will provide valuable learning concerning electric vehicle acceptance and future market development.“

Mitsubishi Motors’ managing director said: “We are delighted that these forward-thinking local authorities will be able to experience the i-MiEVs in their everyday operational use.

“With a range of 80 miles, a top speed of 81mph, as well as minimal servicing and running costs and ample cabin space, it will prove that electric vehicles can be utilised without compromise in an organisation’s fleet.

The delivery of these new electric vehicles to the North East follows the first part of the Cenex ‘Smart Move’ trial which involved all four of the local authorities now using the i-MiEV and gave hundreds of drivers the chance to drive an electric car through placements in vehicle fleets and at public test drive events.

One of the key findings of a report into the trial found that vehicle fleets like those at local authorities could provide a successful early market for electric vehicles.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .