Bristol-based
renewable energy company Sunlight Future has gone the extra mile for green
energy. The company is running the first medium-range electric van in
Bristol - and it's charged by solar energy.
The
Kangoo Van Z.E. was recently purchased from Bristol Renault dealer City Motors,
and when charged from traditional energy it produces less than a third of
carbon emissions of a diesel equivalent.
The
Sunlight Future van is charged with renewable energy generated by the
solar array on the roof of the Create Centre’s eco-home, where the company is
based. Charging the zero-emissions van with renewable energy means that it
is effectively carbon-neutral for Sunlight Future to run.
With the transport sector responsible for 27% of all emissions, decarbonised transport will have a massive impact on reducing the UK’s total carbon emissions. Ofgem reports show that the South West has the highest installed capacity of renewable energy generation, the greatest of which comes from domestic solar installations, followed by the commercial sector. As a region, therefore, the South West is well prepared to lead the way in cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality by making the change to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy.
The Sunlight Future electric van, which will be on show at the Renault Electric Vehicle roadshow in Bristol 19-21 October, now serves as a working model for other companies. It shows how linking renewable energy with electric vehicle infrastructure, even at a grassroots level, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and running costs.
Electric vehicles are exempt from road tax and require little servicing or maintenance. The two main costs are price of the vehicle and battery hire. Powered by renewably sourced electricity, the Sunlight Future electric van is also instantly protected from fuel price rises. Based on current prices, using solar energy for homes, businesses and electric vehicles over the next ten years will be considerably cheaper than relying on traditional energy options.
Director of Sunlight Future Ben Greenland comments:
‘We’re so excited to be able to show people that the technology to combine solar power and electric vehicles is here and it works. Nowadays electric vehicles can deliver on range, performance and efficiency, and ultimately they’ll save you money. We’re delighted to be driving a van that is exempt from tax, great fun to drive and goes at a fraction of the cost of a diesel equivalent because it’s powered by free, clean energy that we’ve generated ourselves.’
Nick
Rixton from City Motors Renault said: “'We’ve had a lot of interest in the
Kangoo Van Z.E. since it went on sale at the end of 2011. It’s just wonderful
to see the passion that users have for the Kangoo Van Z.E. but Sunlight Future
has really taken this to the next level. By charging it from a renewable
source, they’ve shown that it is possible to be green while taking to the road
and have recruited many new fans through their enthusiasm.'”
People can visit the van at the Renault ZE roadshow, @Bristol, 19-21 October or visit www.sunlightfuture.co.uk to see a video of it in action.
ENDS
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