Scottish Power has taken delivery of ten Nissan e-NV200s this month and is planning more orders of the electric vans.
A total of six vans will be used north of the border, delivered via the Western Nissan dealership in Edinburgh, while others will be heading to Merseyside and Caernarfon where Scottish Power also operates.
Conversion work on the vans, which have a maximum payload of 705kg and the ability to carry 4.2 cubic metres of cargo, was completed in the first half of October.
They will join more than 1,000 other vehicles on the Scottish Power fleet, including 25 Nissan LEAFs and a new electric bus.
The e-NV200s are Acenta models with fast-charge capability and each one can travel up to 187 miles on a single charge.
John Moore, fleet manager at Scottish Power, said the new vehicles will be used to maintain the infrastructure of the company’s electricity distribution grid.
He added, “The e-NV200 suits our needs and fits with the Scottish Power approach of focusing on wind energy, smart grids and driving the change to a cleaner, electric future.
“The vans are excellent – the EV technology is superb and the range is very good. Range is key for us.”
Scottish Power held a two-day event at its Glasgow HQ last year, allowing staff to try e-NV200s and LEAFs. The event was supported by Western Nissan who supplied demonstrators as well as advice and guidance.
Moore said the energy firm initially trialled the e-NV200 on Anglesey and that Nissan had been “incredibly helpful” in introducing his colleagues to EV technology.
“Nissan have been very supportive and it’s been good working with them”, he added.
Nissan corporate sales manager Karen Reid said, “There is an ongoing increase in the popularity of the e-NV200 with corporate customers as they can see numerous benefits by adding this award-winning, zero-emission LCV to their fleet.
“Customers praise this vehicle for its range, fast-charging ability and payload and there is enough cargo space to accommodate two Euro pallets. We’re sure Scottish Power will be delighted with their new vehicles and look forward to continuing to work with them in future”
