New Electric Minibus Is Positive Step In Fighting Climate Change

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has taken delivery of its first fully electric-powered minibus.

The green, zero-emissions minibus will be used by the council’s transportation team for taking children to schools in the area.

The Mercedes E-Vito people carrier will be put through its paces as a possible future replacement for the team’s current fleet of small minibuses.

The vehicle, which has a 230-mile range before recharge and is capable of carrying up to eight passengers, will join the team’s fleet of 30 small minibuses on their morning and afternoon rounds.

Although currently costing more than a regular minibus, the team is confident it will save money on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run, and could potentially be charged by the production of in-house renewable energy.

Councillor Chris Matthews, the council’s portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “I’m really pleased the transport team will be testing this minibus out to see if all its fleet can be changed to zero-emission vehicles like these when they need replacing.

“This is another positive step forward by the council in its efforts against climate change.”

The transport team, based at the council’s Beverley depot, said the new minibus will be tested on a variety of home to school transport routes in various road and weather conditions.

Electric charging points have already been installed at the Beverley depot as the council took delivery of four electric-powered vans last year.