Member Article

Bdaily talks electric vehicles with Colin Herron

Bdaily recently talked to Colin Herron, director of Charge Your Car, about the North East’s strengths in electric vehicles, and why businesses should consider them as part of their fleets. Through the Why Not Electric? campaign, Charge Your Car aim to educate the region on electric vehicles.

Colin explained how the region has earned distinction as a leader in electric vehicles, and the infrastructure to support them; particularly through Nissan’s decision to manufacture its LEAF hatchback at their Sunderland plant.

He said: “Our region has been chosen to host the first mass production of an electric vehicle, and Why Not Electric? is just part of the potential for prosperity in the North East, built around wind energy and electric vehicles. We’ve seen SMEs and universities involved in this industry, and that’s what we need to build on. We’re promoting the campaign in London and other areas, it’s also a case of “Why Not the North East?”

So, why should businesses take an interest in electric vehicles? Colin explained: “One of the key reasons for businesses is credentials. Adopting electric vehicles shows a consideration for the environment. And, the running costs make sense for businesses too.

“£2.60 for a full charge will give you 90 miles, and if you compare that with the petrol equivalent, it’s very economical.”

Why Not Electric? encourages businesses to look at the type of fleet that is right for them, and Colin points out that not all firms will find electric vehicles suitable.

“Electric vehicles will always be an urban form of transport. The point is not to replace petrol vehicles, but to change the dynamic of fleets. If a business needs to travel to Leeds or London, it’s unlikely they would use an electric vehicle, however they might choose to use a hybrid-vehicle in that instance,” he continued.

“Hospitals for example are prime candidates for electric car usage. They tend to make a lot of inter-hospital trips, which tend to be within about 4 miles. This is perfect for electric vehicles.

“I think a lot of people, with recent fuel panics, have started to think a certain proportion of their fleet should be electric so as to mitigate against these kinds of events. Given the example of the hospital, in a fuel shortage, they could move key personnel around, surgeons and so on, or crucial supplies.”

The campaign aims to inform potential adopters of electric vehicles, providing them with the facts on running costs, and opening a window on the world of electric through test drives.

Colin continues: “A lot of people have been waiting on the hard data. There’s been a certain degree of hearsay, speculation and commentary, and a lot of this is really gloomy. We aim to dispel the myths out there, as awareness of and interest in electric vehicles has certainly increased.

“We hope that people will visit the site and see the full range of models available, take a look at the fuel calculator which demonstrates the savings to be made, and ultimately book a test drive in one of the cars. This is really the best way to discover electric vehicles, to get behind the wheel.”

Neil Ellison, Stockton Borough Council’s sustainability manager, has seen the benefits of integrating EVs into the organisation for himself. He said: “The council has incorporated electric vehicles as part of its pool and they are being used every single day for several journeys each day.

“The figures speak for themselves – in 9,000 miles we have spent just £213 on fuel and absolutely nothing on road tax or maintenance costs.”

To find out more information about using electric vehicles within business, and to book a test drive, visit the Why Not Electric? website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .