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University of Warwick plugs into new low carbon scheme to take five new electric vans

The University of Warwick has revved up its commitment to lowering its carbon emission by replacing five diesel vehicles with new electric powered vans.Director of Estates Bob Wilson and Transport Manager Graham Hine with the five new Ford Transit electric vans

Funding for the five new vans was met by a grant from the Department of Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme, and takes the number of electric vehicles at the University to 14.

Based on the Ford Transit panel van design, the new additions to the University’s fleet of vehicles will be operated by the Estates Services department, Estates Commercial Group and Warwick Accommodation.

The University of Warwick is one of only two UK higher education institutes selected to take part in the Department of Transport’s £20 million Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme.

Graham Hine , the University’s transport manager said: “This is great news for Warwick and will go a long way to helping us meet our environmental targets on campus.

“Being involved in an innovative programme aimed at stimulating the market for low carbon and electric vans in the UK is an exciting opportunity for Warwick to lead the way in the deployment of such vehicles for everyday use.”

Warwick has added five new Ford Transit electric vans to is Low Carbon fleetAs part of taking part in the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme the University is also signed up to a research programme designed at improving the performance of the vans.

Throughout the first two years of the vehicles life they will regularly go for telematics testing to check the performance of the battery and to measure the amount of CO2 given off.

The new vehicles have been supplied by Smith Electric Vehicles.

Notes to Editors

The Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme is aimed at supporting the demonstration and use of more fuel efficient vehicles in the public sector and is one of a number of initiatives announced by the government to encourage the mass production of green vans.

Initially six public sector organisations were selected to take part in the programme including; Royal Mail; UK Border Agency; Metropolitan Police; Transport for London; Environment Agency; Government Car and Despatch Agency.

The programme was extended to all UK local authorities who were asked to submit bids to participate. Coventry City Council worked together with the University of Warwick and Coventry University to form the Coventry Low Carbon Fleet Partnership to enter a joint bid.

For more information contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick, on 02476 575601, or on 07824 541142. Alternatively email l.hamer@warwick.ac.uk

PR32 18th March 2011