British government-owned National Highways has acquired 307 zero-emission and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). 187 PHEVs have already arrived, with another 24 on the well and other electric cars from Kia and Hyundai on the way.
The most modern is the 31 fully electric Hyundai Kona joining National Highway; Staff across the country will use them as pool cars for general maintenance and inspection. Another 65 Kia Xceed PHEVs will replace some of the existing vehicles used to conduct structural surveys.
National Highways oversees and maintains the motorways and A-roads in the UK. Maintenance and inspection vehicles, therefore, allow staff to search for defects and monitor the progress of ongoing maintenance activities and repairs.
Similarly, the PHEVs for traffic officers provide 4×4 capability and support a target to clear 86 per cent of motorway incidents within one hour, writes the company.
Steve Elderkin, Director of Environmental Sustainability for National Highways, said: “We are delighted to be modernising our fleet with the 307 state-of-the-art vehicles that will not only reduce our emissions but also ensure that journeys are smooth and reliable.”
Their fleet comprises 1,300 vehicles, and National Highways made a commitment that non-traffic officer vehicles will be 100% electric by 2027 and traffic officer vehicles be 100% electric by 2030. The company has also set an interim target of 75% of the fleet to be electric or hybrid by 2025.
The 283 vehicles already delivered reflect that and include Volvo XC90, BMW X5 (PHEV), Hyundai Kona (ZEV) and Kia Xceed (PHEV). The Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 have all been kitted out specifically for National Highways with enhanced storage capability, lighting and distinctive livery. They will utilise an ancillary battery pack allowing the vehicles to run purely on electric or alongside the traditional combustion engine.
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Keyword: UK: National Highways grows low emission vehicle fleet