Energy solutions company UK Power Networks Services has introduced the first electric vehicles (EVs) and chargepoints into its fleet at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airport depots, and EV chargepoints at its London City Airport depot.
This follows the announcement that UK Power Networks is trialling eight electric Renault Kangoo vans in its operational fleet, to be powered by on-site solar generation at six locations, to improve air quality for future generations.
The company operates and maintains the electricity networks at London’s airports. Staff will use the EVs to carry out their work, which will improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions caused by ground transportation in and around the airports.
Through the introduction of electric vehicles into the UK Power Networks Services fleet, the company will help the airports reduce their overall carbon emissions and support hubs in achieving their sustainability ambitions.
UK Power Networks Services are leading the EV trial for the group, collecting valuable data on the performance of the vehicles, identifying future opportunities to increase the number of EVs and gain a better understanding of the economic benefits.
Russell Austin, from the company’s Heathrow depot, said, “It’s important to start using EVs around the airport to save money and reduce air pollution. As a substation inspector who drives around the airport, I’m proud to be able to say that I’m helping to reduce carbon emissions.”
Ian Smyth, director of UK Power Networks Services, added, “We are committed to supporting our clients’ sustainability ambitions. Deploying electric vehicles to help us operate and maintain the airports’ electricity networks will contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions at each airport.
“Our clients expect us to lead the way with fleet electrification. This trial will give us valuable data to support the deployment of electric vehicles into fleets of any size.”
The company will also use the insight from the trial to help airports and other fleet operators build their EV strategy and business case to deploy electric vehicles into their fleets.
