Since launching in June 2021 with 30 vans, over 189 businesses have taken up the opportunity to trial a van for up to two months at no charge as part of the trial.
During this time, approximately 190,638 electric kilometres have been driven, saving approximately 30 tonnes of CO2, if driven in a petrol van, and 65 tonnes, if driven in a diesel van, being released into the air.
The council is now going even further by offering up 15 fully insured electric vans for the trials, which businesses can access with a one-off admin fee of £200, to give even more people an opportunity to take part in the trial.
The council is working with Churchill Expert, Direct Line Group’s flexible fleet insurance specialist, to provide fully comprehensive insurance for the trials.
Cllr Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of Transport, Regeneration & Climate Committee, said: ‘The electric van trial in Sheffield is a brilliant initiative and we want all local businesses, charities and organisations that use vans to have an opportunity to take advantage of this trial.
‘That's why we have taken 15 vans and fully insured them, opening up the opportunity to those who have previously been unable to get involved. Light good vehicles, such as vans are only 13% of the vehicles on the roads but contribute to over a quarter of the harmful emissions in Sheffield.’
Nicola Richmond, head of Churchill Expert Flexible Fleet Partnerships, said: ‘Transitioning to an electric van can seem daunting, so we are delighted to support this unique initiative which allows businesses to experience what it would genuinely be like to drive one for an extended period.
‘Electric vans are becoming increasingly popular and the range and choice of vans coming to market is rapidly increasing. With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles fast approaching, this initiative is a great way to support businesses by helping to give them the confidence to switch from traditionally fuelled vehicles to electric ones.’
