Modec vehicles go into service with Islington borough council
Islington Borough Council has announced it will be the first local authority in the UK to introduce pure electric Modec vehicles to its fleet.
The zero emission, battery powered vehicle will go into service this July as part of a wide range of new green initiatives being employed by the Council. It will be used specifically for highways maintenance and will be the first vehicle on call for emergency repairs during the night due to its virtually silent operation.
Chris Rutherford, fleet and depot manager for Islington Council said: "We have implemented the use of many alternative fuels in the borough and most recently electric vehicles with performance rivalling conventional engines in a London borough the size of Islington. The benefits of silent running vehicles with zero emissions are obvious and we are hoping to install solar panels into the depot to ensure the vehicle is run entirely on renewable energy."
Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council said: "If we want to become Britain's greenest local authority - that means we must lead by example. Greening the fleet is a sound investment towards this goal. Choosing electric-powered vehicles keeps us efficient and puts us in pole position in the race to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change."
Geoff Reyner, sales and marketing director for Modec said: "The Modec vehicle is not only hugely capable and cost effective, but it allows local authorities like Islington Borough Council to demonstrate in practical terms that they care about the environment. It provides a real alternative to diesel technology and is ideal for a wide range of daily use applications such as waste and recycling management, leisure and amenity maintenance, school and hospital deliveries."
Additional News: Modec ride & drive event at the guildhall, london
Modec were proud the exhibit at the GreenFleet event on Thursday July 26th.
Held at the Guildhall Yard, London the event encouraged fuel efficient driving in the capital and showcased one of the first Tesco vehicles, a drop side Modec and a long wheelbase box van.
The purpose designed and built commercial vehicle demonstrated how forward-looking fleet operators can reduce their carbon footprint, and help make London's air cleaner. Deputy Mayor Nicky Gavron showed her support for the initiative by speaking about the advantages of such vehicles.
Potential customers came from near and far to test drive the Modec in the environment it was designed for... and most complained that they couldn't test the top speed and nippy performance due to heavy traffic.
We would welcome them to join us at the next ride & drive event where they can really put thier foot down! (Please see www.whatvan.co.uk/events for more details or contact Catherine Hutt on chutt@modec.co.uk
Find out more by visiting these webslinks:
Green Car Guide - Islington introduce electric vehciles
http://www.green-car-guide.com/news/islington-introduce-electric-vehicles.htm
Fleetworld - Islington goes green