Sheffield City Council Offers Local Businesses Free Trial Of Electric Vans

Highways England and Sheffield City Council launch new project for businesses to trial electric vans.

Electric Van Trial Launched In Sheffield

Businesses in Sheffield are being offered the opportunity to trial electric vans.

The new project launched by Sheffield City Council in partnership with Highways England has a fleet of thirty electric vans available to local businesses to test.

Local businesses, charities and organisations who currently run diesel vans can apply to trial the new electric vans with no hire cost for a limited time.

“Transporting food, medicine and other goods is vital but requires a lot of energy. Currently, most of this is powered by fossil fuels. If we want to reduce air pollution and tackle the climate emergency, we need to help Sheffield find alternatives.

“I recognise this can be a big challenge for many small businesses. We’ve already helped 26 businesses invest in electric cargo bikes for small deliveries, and this trial will help give local businesses confidence to invest in an electric van.”Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport 

Electric Van Trial Aims To Help Companies Reduce Pollution

Whilst light commercial vehicles only make up around 13% of vehicles on Sheffield’s roads, they contribute over a quarter of harmful emissions.

Electric vehicles offer no tailpipe emissions, therefore carbon emissions and local pollution is significantly reduced.

“At Highways England, we want to do all we can to look after the wellbeing of everyone who uses our roads and those who live or work near them. That includes making a difference when it comes to air quality. 

“Vehicle emissions contribute significantly to poor air quality. That is why we are delighted to part-fund this initiative with Sheffield City Council to introduce vehicles that are better for the environment. 

“It’s a fantastic way for the businesses of Sheffield to play a part in helping to tackle climate change and help the UK become a zero-carbon economy by 2050.” Richard Marshall, Regional Director for Highways England in Yorkshire and The North East

Removing Barriers of Entry For Electric Vehicles

Research shows that local LGV operators are favourable of upgrading to electric vehicles but worry about costs and the range of an electric charge.

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The electric vans are 50% cheaper to run than equivalents using fossil fuels. Additionally, Sheffield City Council recently installed new rapid chargers in various locations which can charge 80% of the battery in less than an hour.

Offering the trial allows operators to assess how they would utilise electric vehicles and make an informed decision on future fleet upgrades.

How to apply for Sheffield’s Electric Van Trial

There is no cost to hire the vehicles but eligible companies will need to pay a refundable deposit and provide their own insurance for the vans.

Local companies who don’t currently have electric vehicles in their fleet can apply for a two month trial of the vans via Sheffield City Council’s Clean Air Web Page.