North Devon Council is advancing its sustainability efforts by transitioning to electric vehicles. Following successful trials, the council will replace two diesel vehicles in its Parks Team with fully electric vans, as part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency.

Over recent years, the Parks Team has tested various electric vehicles. The positive outcomes led the council to lease two electric vans from its partner, SFS, replacing the old diesel ones. The council is confident these electric vans, including the Ford E-Transit, will effectively handle daily tasks while reducing emissions.

Looking ahead, the council plans to replace more diesel vehicles in other departments, such as Parking and Waste & Recycling. The full transition will depend on budget, charging infrastructure, and fleet capacity, but this marks the first step towards a fully electric fleet.

Recently, the council also tested an electric HGV waste lorry in rural areas like Bratton Flemming and Landkey. While the trial showed potential for cost savings and emission reductions, the lorry faced challenges completing rural routes on a single charge. The council plans to test more electric lorries before making decisions on replacing larger waste vehicles.

The successful trials of smaller vehicles and promising results from the waste lorry trial demonstrate the council’s commitment to sustainability. Although replacing larger vehicles will take more time, the transition to electric for the smaller fleet has already begun.

These initiatives show North Devon Council’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining essential public services, marking a positive step towards a cleaner, more efficient fleet.