Businesses in Durham can trial an EV free of charge

Small businesses in Durham are being invited to try an electric van for free before they buy. 

Small and medium-sized businesses can apply for a short or long-term loan of an electric van. 

The vans, which will be free to loan for up to three weeks are funded by the council as part of their climate emergency plan. 

The scheme aims to encourage smaller businesses to cut their carbon emissions. 

Cllr Mark Wilkes, our Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: ‘There are many small and medium-sized businesses across the county who we know care passionately about their impact on the environment, and who would like to do more to reduce their fuel costs and emissions, but making the switch to an electric commercial vehicle can be daunting.

‘The option to borrow a van gives businesses the perfect opportunity to find out more, and to see first-hand the fuel savings available, before they commit.’

Lee McDonald, director at Easylift Stairlifts, added: ‘With the COP26 climate conference fresh in everyone’s mind, Durham County Council has provided a fantastic opportunity with the Try Before You Buy scheme, to ourselves and other businesses in County Durham, to trial an e-van. 

‘This gives us the option to trial an e-van within our existing fleet and during this period we can compare performance, range, and compatibility alongside our existing business model. As a small business, we take our responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint seriously and are looking at many ways to progress going forward.’

At the end of the loan scheme, the electric vans will be absorbed into the council’s fleet, to replace older, less efficient vehicles.

To access the electric vehicle offer, businesses need to apply to our Business Energy Efficiency Project, which can also help businesses to identify further energy efficiencies, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and financial savings.