Islington Council has added six Renault Zoes to its fleet as part of a gradual transition towards zero-emission vehicles.
The new additions will be used by the council’s Voids Team, who inspect and assess council properties that become empty across the borough’s near six square mile area, within its Housing Proerty Services division.
The arrival of the Council’s first Renault Zoes coincides with the upgrade of its fleet charging infrastructure. The council aims to switch more vehicles within its 500-strong fleet – spanning cars and small vans through to street sweeping vehicles and 26-tonne refuse and recycling collection vehicles – to electric.
Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Islington Council is committed to making our fleet greener, as part of our continuing efforts to clean the air that local people breathe and to help achieve our goal of creating a net zero carbon Islington by 2030.
“The use of the Renault Zoe by our Voids Team will help to achieve this goal, ensuring that the team are able to travel around the borough in an environmentally-friendly way. The team visits all kinds of locations across the borough, and the convenient size of the Zoe has proved to be hugely beneficial, ensuring that operatives can park easily. The Voids Team have also been complimentary on the ride, range and navigation system within the vehicle.”
2020 Renault Zoe (Image: Renault)
Islington Council opted for the Renault Zoe due to the value it represented, its real-world range of up to 245 miles and flexible charging options. The vehicles were procured via The Procurement Partnership Limited (TPPL) framework agreement, which from a choice of vehicles from up to 14 manufacturers identified the Renault Zoe as the best fit for the requirements of Islington Council.
Finished in Glacier White with the addition of Islington’s Council livery, the Renault Zoes were ordered in the Iconic level of trim.
Vincent Tourette, managing director, Groupe Renault UK, added: “Islington Council covers one of the most densely populated London boroughs and we are delighted that it has chosen the Renault Zoe to help in its quest to make the region a cleaner and healthier environment and also support one of its busiest divisions.
“With councils under increasing financial strain and facing the difficult task of needing to lower their environmental impact without affecting their productivity, the Renault ZE electric vehicle range is proving the perfect solution. With our electric vehicle expertise spanning almost 10 years and our EV offering being stronger than ever, local authorities enjoy the peace-of-mind that a Renault electric vehicle is amongst the very best of its kind and that there’s a version that will certainly meet their passenger car and light commercial vehicle needs.”
Available from £26,995, on the road after the Plug-in Car Grant, the Renault Zoe offers a range of up to 245 and, with the 50KW DC rapid charge option, 90 miles of charge can be restored in 30 minutes.
Read more: FleetNews