Bristol invests in EV fleet

Bristol city council is to install 120 new public electric vehicle charging points in order to meet its goal to increase the uptake in low emission vehicles in the city.

The city council has a target to become carbon neutral by 2050. Plans are also being explored to tackle air pollution in Bristol, with a charging clean air zone, which would penalise some of the more polluting vehicles to operate in the city, also being considered.

The city council has a target to become carbon neutral by 2050

Using £2million of grant money provided by Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) through the Go Ultra Low West project, Bristol City Council will be adding 120 new public charge points across the West of England area.

Additionally, seven electric Peugeot Partner vans will be used by various council departments such as repairs and maintenance, Parks and Estates and the Records Office.

In addition the council’s Parking Services team are taking delivery of six Nissan Leaf Zero Emission cars to use in and around central Bristol.

Target

The council aims to have at least 10% of its fleet made up of Electric Vehicles by 2021.

The first set of OLEV-funded ‘pilot’ charge points have already been installed for use by car club vehicles and will be ready for use later this year, the council says.

Cllr Kye Dudd, cabinet member for energy, waste and regulatory services, said: “These are good forward steps on our journey to becoming a carbon neutral city by 2050 and a big boost for those in Bristol wanting to adopt electric vehicles. Across the city in both business and private use, we’re seeing a rise in electric vehicle take up so we will continue to look at ways in which we can support this growing trend.

“As a council, we have a responsibility to lead by example and despite reducing our carbon emissions by 60% three years early; we’re already looking at ways to meet our new targets ahead of time. It’s great to see so many people in the city thinking more about how they travel and the impact on the environment. This is a great thing for staff using the council’s pool cars and will no doubt inspire other businesses to explore the benefits of a green fleet.”