Scottish Borders Council has taken delivery of six new electric vehicles (EVs) as part of their fleet, in a bid to help drive the authority’s impact on the environment.
With £87,000 in funding from the Transport Scotland scheme helping reduce the costs, six Nissan Leafs have been bought by the Scottish Borders Council.
The vehicles will be shared across different departments, the region’s sports and culture trust Live Borders having use of one of the all-electric models, while two EVs will be available for Scottish Borders Cares staff, and three provided for the council’s waste, neighbourhood services and contracts staff.
Executive Member for Planning and Environment, Councillor Ron Smith, said:”This is a great example of the Council and Live Borders working together to ensure their staff have access to new efficient vehicles which are environmentally friendly.
“As well as the obvious environmental benefits, electric vehicles can save money, with fuel costs of three to four pence per mile compared to 10 pence per mile for the average family car. The number of rapid charging points across Scotland is increasing all the time and as you can see, the Council is keen to promote this cleaner form of transport.”
Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Live Borders, commented: “Having access to an electric vehicle is a most welcome new asset that will be of benefit both to our staff and the local environment.”
