Founded in 2003, the Fleet Forum has 50 members, including five international aid organisations, and is aimed at improving the safety, cost-efficiency and environmental impact of transportation for charitable organisations. 

The knowledge centre is managed by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the UN World Food Programme, World Vision International, Care and TNT.

Nissan handed over the first vehicles, which will be used in Switzerland, last week. Once the trial is complete, Nissan and Fleet Forum will share  information about how the cars perform in real-world use.

Paul Jansen, Executive Director of Fleet Forum, explained: ‘This is an excellent example of learning through demonstration. Through this programme these different organisations can see for themselves how electric vehicles can be used to help achieve their objectives. From a Fleet Forum point-of-view we're happy to facilitate this as a way of increasing efficiency and reducing pollution.’

‘Together with Nissan we will gather and analyze the test data. We will build knowledge regarding electric driving, and we can advise our members how to maximize the best use of electric vehicles.’