Almost 200 Sheffield companies have taken part in the city’s electric van trial, with more vehicles to be made available.
It’s two years since the launch of the first electric van trial in Sheffield, with the Council now going a step further to support local businesses, charities, and organisations by introducing fully insured vehicles as part of the trial.
Since launching in June 2021 with 30 vans, the electric van trial has gone from strength to strength, with about 190 businesses taking up the opportunity to trial a van for up to two months at no charge.
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.
In most cases, the one-off admin fee will be a more cost-effective and less time-consuming alternative to individuals sourcing van insurance independently. To take advantage of this offer, all drivers need to be aged 25 or over, full terms and conditions can be checked during the application process.
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.
“I hope this will encourage people to come and give the electric vans a go. Ultimately, we want to give people the confidence to invest in cleaner, electric vehicles moving forward – with the Clean Air Zone now live in Sheffield, now is the perfect time.”
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.
“We are excited to be arranging fleet insurance for Sheffield County Council and look forward to growing this partnership in the future.”
Companies interested in taking part in the trial can fill out the online application: https://forms.sheffield.gov.uk/form/auto/apply_electric_van_trial
