Manchester Metropolitan University switches to EVs

Manchester Metropolitan University has become the latest academic institution to add electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet.

Nissan has reported that universities continue to emerge as top customers for its new e-NV200 electric van, claiming that over 20 academic institutions in the UK are operating EVs in their fleets. Manchester Metropolitan has added three e-NV200 vans and two Nissan Leaf cars to its fleet.

The university claimed that the move has drastically reduced fuel costs by around 80 per cent with its fleet producing eight per cent less carbon emissions. The remaining 18 conventional vehicles in the university’s fleet are now expected to be replaced by electric alternatives when they are ready to be renewed.

Commenting on the move, Jason Smith, transport co-ordinator for Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “The reaction to the new EVs has been fantastic and in the few months we've had them we haven't had a single issue. As an organisation we are always striving to improve our environmental performance and our Nissan EVs are already making a significant contribution to that. But the savings on fuel alone make moving towards an EV fleet a real no brainer.

“As more of our vehicles come up for renewal and wherever it's possible for them to be electric, they will be."

The university’s expanding fleet of EVs is supported by 24 charge points across the Manchester and Crew campuses, including two rapid chargers.

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