Infrastructure services company FM Conway has introduced two electric vans into its London-based fleet in partnership with commercial vehicle rental specialist Enterprise Flex-E-Rent. 

The vans are being used in the London boroughs of Croydon, Kensington and Chelsea, and Hammersmith and Fulham to support FM Conway’s highway term maintenance contracts with the councils and reflect the business’ commitment to drive more sustainable ways of working. 

The two Nissan e-NV200 plug-in vans are among the first light commercial vehicles to be sourced under flexible rental. It is intended that their use in and around the capital will demonstrate how zero emissions electric technology can play an integral role in establishing sustainable fleets.

This trial comes at a time when van operators prepare for the introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in April 2019. 

This latest initiative between FM Conway and Enterprise follows a 7 million pound ($8.92 million) investment by FM Conway in its owned fleet earlier this year to ensure its liveried vehicles meet the highest emissions standards before the introduction of the ULEZ. 

“When we started to talk to Enterprise about electric vans, it became clear that on both sides we wanted to demonstrate how they could be effective as part of a sustainable working fleet," John Tobin, FM Conway’s asset manager, said in a statement. "Many companies that invested early on in electric vans found that it can take time to identify the right applications for them in day to day work. This trial is helping us to see how we can integrate more electric vehicles across our business and we have recently installed electric charging points at our vehicle depots to pave the way for further investment. 

“So far, the two vehicles have been a huge success. Our drivers are recharging them about once every three days. They look and are used exactly like every other van in our fleet — except, of course, with zero emissions.” 

“Sustainability is key to our customers and to Enterprise," Danny Glynn, managing director of Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, said in a statement. "Many organizations are still unclear about the role that electric vehicles play within a working fleet, given current costs and the charging infrastructure. This is why we were so keen to partner with FM Conway on this project. We wanted to demonstrate that there are clear applications for electric vans. 

“Emissions legislation is emerging as a number one priority as towns and cities across the country try to improve urban air quality. With many high-profile contracts in central London, FM Conway is the perfect partner to showcase the potential of electric vehicles in reducing emissions in urban areas.” 

FM Conway has invested 235 million pounds ($299.48 million) in its infrastructure over the past decade to support its commitment to sustainable construction and a self-delivery approach to projects. This has included developing its own network of materials recycling centres as well as ongoing investment in its vehicles to make sure they comply with, and where possible exceed, the latest environmental standards.