RENAULT UK PUTS EV CASE FORWARD IN FUELS OF THE FUTURE DEBATE

Electric Andy, also known as Andy Heiron, Head of Electric Vehicle Programme at Renault UK, yesterday put the case forward for electric vehicles at the Fleet News Congress held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Coventry.

The conference was held for fleet managers to learn about how to reduce their costs by making their fleets more environmentally-friendly.  In addition to talking customers through Renault’s display which showcased Renault’s forthcoming saloon Fluence Z.E and Scénic Stop-Start, Andy Heiron talked about the need for electric vehicles to lead the way in achieving the government’s goal of de-carbonising the UK’s economy in industry, the domestic market and transport.

Making the case for fleet managers to consider electric vehicles for today’s fleets, he said: “Electricity is the fuel of the future, and is practical, affordable and here now.

“Today it’s a practical proposition, and this will only get  better going forward thanks to improvements such as vehicles getting lighter, better battery technology and improved efficiency of vehicles.”

He added that building a parc of 1.6 million electric vehicles by 2020 is one of the key elements of policy guidance from the Committee on Climate Change – the independent body that advises the UK Government on tackling and preparing for climate change. 

“There’s also a sensible economic case for electric vehicles on the fleet as research shows that one third of all B segment cars never make a journey of more than 100 miles which is well within the range of Renault’s range of electric cars. In the future, the range will improve to 150-200 miles, making them viable and affordable.

“We need to act now to achieve targets set by Committee on Climate Change by 2020.”

Renault’s first electric vehicle, the Kangoo Z.E. Van goes on sale in the UK in November this year, and has already attracted a number of pre-orders from fleets of all sizes.