Kent County Council has taken delivery of 20 Renault Kangoo E-Tech and four Zoe vans for a new scheme in which local businesses can enjoy a free trial of one of the EVs for up two months.
Highways England has provided £1.5 million funding for the two-year Kent Realising Electric Vans Scheme (REVS) initiative, with the eventual aim that there will be a fleet of 48 EVs available for trial.
As part of the funding Commercial Services Kent Ltd (CSKL), who are operating the programme, have installed new charge points at its operating bases in New Hythe and Kings Hill, with a further 10 rapid chargers planned for other publicly accessible locations across the county.
The launch of Kent REVS follows the successful implementation of a similar scheme by Leeds City Council in 2020, which was also funded by Highways England and features 20 Renault Kangoo E-Tech vans.
Renault Kangoo E-Tech has a potential range of up to 143 miles and can be charged to 100 per cent in six hours when using a 7kW wallbox.
Meanwhile, the Zoe van offers a combined range of up to 245 miles on a single charge on business models and via the 50kW DC charging option can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in one hour and ten minutes.
Tony Hills, Cabinet Member for Environment at Kent County Council, said: “Making the transition to electric vehicles can seem a big step for businesses and Kent REVS provides a risk-free way for them to experience the many benefits over a significant period.
“The Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Renault Zoe van were identified as the ideal electric vans to include in the launch of Kent REVS with their ease-of-use ensuring that all types of drivers can quickly get used to the driving and charging experience of an electric vehicle, whilst also being suitable for a wide range of businesses.”
Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Renault UK, added: “It’s fantastic to see that Renault Kangoo E-Tech and Renault Zoe van have been chosen as the electric vans to launch Kent REVS and that they will play a part in helping Kent County Council achieve a greener, cleaner transport infrastructure throughout the region.”
