Slough Borough Council adds three electric cars to its fleet

The council has purchased three Renault ZOE electric cars for its fleet following positive feedback from staff who participated in initial testing, as well as six new electric bikes (e-bikes).

The council is currently undertaking a fleet challenge to review the way its staff travel for work and the options available for business travel.

The fleet challenge is part of the council’s commitment to delivering its services in a way that is both efficient and environmentally friendly, helping to improve the air quality for people living in Slough.

Staff were invited to St Martins Place on 22 June for a launch event to showcase the new pool of electric vehicles which they can borrow for work journeys.

The event offered staff the opportunity to get hands on and test drive the electric vehicles and to sign up to the scheme.

Councillor Sohail Munawar, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “The fleet challenge is just one of the ways we are making a difference to our communities and our environment. With more than 43,000 commuters travelling into Slough daily and many of our staff out and about on a regular basis, it is really important the way we travel is as environmentally friendly as possible – and cost effective. By introducing a pool of both ultra-low emissions electric cars and e-bikes, we are moving towards that goal.”

Munawar continued: “Forty staff tried the Renault ZOE and the feedback was excellent. They found it easy to drive and the controls clear and simple to understand. The charging lead is easy to connect and the range the car offers makes it ideal as a pool car.

“Slough is integrated into the heart of the UK transport and communications network, close to Heathrow Airport, and is an important commercial centre. We want to be an exemplary organisation as we work towards decarbonising our fleet and to set an example to the many businesses in the borough. The introduction of these pool cars is an important step in delivering the council’s Low Emissions Strategy.”

The council also has seven fast electric vehicle charging points for electric car owners to recharge their cars in Slough. F