Mitsubishi Motors UK has delivered six all-electric i-MiEVs to North East England to form the next stage of the low carbon vehicle 'Smart Move' trials taking place in the region.
Two cars will become part of the fleet at Gateshead Council, two at Newcastle City Council, one at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and one at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
These vehilces have been delivered as part of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) run by Cenex, the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies.
The i-MiEVs have been delivered in the region following the successful Green Vehicle Congress 2010 event that was held by Cenex in Gateshead in March, and will form the next phase trial, a major part of the collaboration between Cenex and Regional Development Agency One North East.
Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said: “Cenex is pleased to continue our collaboration with One North East on electric vehicle deployment via this extension to our joint Smart Move project. The i-MiEV deployed in the Smart Move project will provide valuable learning concerning electric vehicle acceptance and future market development.”
Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors said: “With a range of 80 miles, a top speed of 81mph, as well as minimal servicing and running costs and ample cabin space, it will prove that electric vehicles can be utilised without compromise in an organisation’s fleet.
“We are also thrilled to be supplying vehicles into North East England, one of the UK’s three Electric Car Hubs, where infrastructure development and electric vehicle usage comes hand in hand.”
Gateshead Council has also ordered ten electric and four hybrid vans to replace diesel powered vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors said that the two i-MiEVs add to Newcastle City Council’s current fleet of 19 electric powered vehicles with an additional four electric panel vans due for delivery within the next few months.
As this new industry develops in the UK, One North East is installing 1,300 charging points across the region as part of the national Plugged in Places programme, which is supported by all 12 of the North East’s local authorities.