Conservation charity The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) is moving to an all-electric fleet with the help of Fleet Alliance.

TCV has initially deployed four zero-emission Citroën ë-Dispatch vans and is looking to switch more of its vans to electric power as they come up for replacement

The Doncaster-based charity, which boasts Sir David Attenborough as vice president, runs community conservation projects designed to “connect people to the green spaces that form a vital part of any healthy, happy community”.

It currently has about 50 conservation projects in place across the UK, supported by teams of employees and volunteers from 10 offices.

To meet its commitments, TCV operates a fleet of around 75 LCVs, with a mixture of short-, medium- and long-wheelbase vans and a number of minibuses, all diesel-powered.

Due to the nature of its conservation activities, and the fact that many of its vehicles operate in Clean Air Zones, the charity decided to explore the options around switching to electric vehicles.

After funding from its partners, including local authorities, trusts and charitable foundations, TCV went out to the market and selected Fleet Alliance from a shortlist of five different potential suppliers for help in competitively sourcing the most appropriate models.

Fleet Alliance recommended an initial batch of four zero-emission Citroën ë-Dispatch vans and used its competitive tendering solution to determine the most cost-effective leasing rentals and to source the vehicles.

The vans are being delivered to four sites around the country – Stirling, Glasgow, Leeds and London – so that local teams can test the practicalities of running EVs.

If successful, TCV will switch more of its vans to electric power as they come up for replacement.

TCV finance manager Katherine Hutt said: “Fleet Alliance has been really helpful in sourcing this initial batch of four electric vans and providing positive financial arrangements that have been really beneficial to our cashflow – which, due to its multi-source nature, can be rather complex.

“More than that, they have also provided valuable advice and assistance in all aspects of running EVs, including battery range and installing the most appropriate chargers at our various sites from where they will be operated.”

Fleet Alliance CEO Andy Bruce commented: “Like many of our customers, TCV has begun its journey to, ultimately, an all-electric fleet which is very much in accord with its own mission of helping conserve the environment for future generations.

“We will provide the necessary advice and support to ensure that the transition to electrification meets their ambitions and plays a key role in helping them achieve their conservation and net zero carbon aspirations.”