Infrastructure services company FM Conway has introduced two Nissan e-NV200 electric vans into its London-based fleet as it explores how it can integrate more EVs across its business.

FM Conway has deployed the vans to support highway maintenance contracts with councils

The vans have been supplied using flexible rental through Enterprise Flex-E-Rent and are being used in the London boroughs of Croydon, Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham to support FM Conway’s highway term maintenance contracts with the councils.

Deployed in advance of the launch of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in April 2019, the vans are said to have proved a huge success already and only need recharging roughly once every three days.

The business has also recently installed electric charging points at its vehicle depots to pave the way for further investment in electric vehicles. It also invested £7m earlier this year in cleaner lorries for its owned fleet.

“FM Conway has always strived to be at the forefront of fleet innovation in the construction industry, whether to lead on road safety standards or showcase best practice in reducing carbon footprint,” said John Tobin, FM Conway’s asset manager.

“When we started to talk to Enterprise about electric vans, it became clear that on both sides we wanted to demonstrate how they could be effective as part of a sustainable working fleet.

“Many companies that invested early on in electric vans found that it can take time to identify the right applications for them in day to day work. This trial is helping us to see how we can integrate more electric vehicles across our business.”

Danny Glynn, managing director of Enterprise Flex-E-Rent, added: “Sustainability is key to our customers and to Enterprise. Many organisations are still unclear about the role that electric vehicles play within a working fleet, given current costs and the charging infrastructure. This is why we were so keen to partner with FM Conway on this project. We wanted to demonstrate that there are clear applications for electric vans.

“Emissions legislation is emerging as a number one priority as towns and cities across the country try to improve urban air quality. With many high-profile contracts in central London, FM Conway is the perfect partner to showcase the potential of electric vehicles in reducing emissions in urban areas.”