Council is charging on with electric cars
Around 20 per cent of all Renfrewshire Council vehicles are now electric as the local authority takes steps towards a more sustainable transport fleet.
The stride forward was revealed in a report, which confirmed the delivery and rollout of 48 electric zero emissions vehicles has commenced and was being “well received” within services.
It stated: “Delivery and rollout of a further 48 electric zero emissions vehicles has commenced as planned and are being well received within services.
“Drivers awareness sessions are continuing to be received positively with staff commenting on the ease of driving a new generation vehicle.
“These sessions will continue as further vehicles are delivered and deployed into the fleet and more services utilise them.
“The 18 electric vans within this phase will be delivered in September/October as part of our programme to replace diesel vehicles.
“This will increase the number of electric vehicles to 88, 20 per cent of the council’s fleet.”
The progress pleased councillors at Wednesday’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board but they added the council should continue to be ambitious in its targets.
Councillor Audrey Doig hoped the majority of the council’s fleet would be electric by 2024.
She said: “I’m so pleased to see 20 per cent but if you ask the climate change people that isn’t quickly enough.
“In another five years I’m hoping it’s up to 80 per cent.
“That way people will see we are not just saying it but we are doing it.
“Yes we are up to 20 per cent but I’m hoping we will be a lot quicker a lot sooner.”
“We will always be working towards that,” board convener Councillor Cathy McEwan responded.
“There is lots of good news in this report,” Councillor Jennifer AdamMcGregor added. “I’m delighted electric cars are up to 20 per cent.”
While glad to see a fifth of the fleet was now electric, Councillor Eddie Devine was sceptical of his political rivals’ comments.
He said: “I’m glad to see we have now upped our game on electric vehicles but I would like to see if any councillors bumping their gums about it are driving electric vehicles themselves.”
Electric vehicles are typically more expensive than similar models of nonelectric - a point which was raised by Councillor Michelle Campbell.
She said the council was to be “commended” on its progress and referencing her own working class background added she hoped “sustainability and affordability” of electric vehicles would come to every day people.
There is a lot of good news in this report, I’m delighted electric cars are up to 20 per cent