The 100% electric Nissan Leaf will be used around the clock, seven days a week to transport National Grid inspectors between tunnel shaft sites in and around London. The cars were chosen after trials against a selection of rival hybrid cars.
“We are always keen to look at new ways of working to operate in a more sustainable manner, including the way that staff and materials are transported. We wanted to see whether electric vehicles would be suitable for getting around already congested areas in London,” says Paul de Jong, Safety & Sustainability Manger for National Grid.
The Leaf was chosen for its five-door configuration, ride and comfort, with exemption from the Congestion Charge and low running costs also taken into account as key considerations for the procurement and fleet teams.
“The Leaf is the first EV to join our 2,600 strong car fleet and has already won favour with the staff that will be using the car around the clock,” explained David Morse, National Grid’s fleet operations manager. “Its combination of zero emissions when in use, low running costs, size and interior space will make it an ideal companion on this world class engineering project.”
“The Leaf is showing companies like National Grid that there is a place for electric vehicles in a modern day fleet environment. From a corporate perspective Leaf can help reduce a company’s carbon footprint and running costs and is comfortable and well specified to ensure company drivers do not have to compromise when they go for a zero emission solution,” said Barry Beeston’s Fleet Sales Director for Nissan Motor.
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