The Brecon Beacons National Park continues to expand its EV fleet with the addition of its first van.

Eleri Thomas, education officer at the National Park Education team

Led by IT systems and fleet officer Kevin Booker, the national park has long been a staunch advocate of EVs; it was recognised for its work back in 2016 when it was named a ‘Go Ultra-Low Company’. Booker was also named ‘Financial Superstar’ at the 2020 Great British Fleet Event awards.

The national park’s expanding EV fleet – which are powered by solar panels – now includes a Kangoo Z.E. 33 crew van, which marks its first fully electric van and is based at the Craig y Nos Country Park.

The vehicle will be used as a pool vehicle for duties associated with managing the site – which covers some 40 acres of landscaped gardens once owned by the renowned operatic soprano Adelina Patti.

Kevin Booker said: “This vehicle will help further lower the authority’s carbon footprint and take advantage of the site’s renewable energy generation and onsite charging infrastructure. The driving range of the Kangoo makes it the ideal vehicle for educational outreach with the flexibility of being a large van or a full five-seater.”

The van will also be used by the education team for outreach work with local schools and communities, showcasing the work of the National Park – in fact, it’s actually been liveried to show how it’s ‘powered by the sun’ so that it can be used as a moveable teaching resource.

A spokesperson for the National Park Education team commented:  “We are so pleased the lively graphics help to make clear how we are harnessing the sun’s energy to get to schools as well as showing everyone that at the National Park we are working towards a more sustainable future! Please look out for us and give us a wave if you see us in your area!”