Replacing one of the company’s diesel fleet, the van will be used to transport staff, maintenance tools and plant equipment across the site, and follows Hertel’s recent programme to reduce its carbon footprint. Fuel consumption was identified as one of its biggest sources of CO2 emissions.

Although Wilton is the first Hertel site to trial an electric vehicle, the company said it would be rolling out similar schemes at locations in the UK and Ireland, resulting in substantial carbon cuts across its fleet.

Adrian Swan, the site’s commercial manager, said: ‘A constant need to transport heavy equipment means that Hertel can easily rack up the miles on a single site. The electric van will make these necessary journeys more cost effective and with a reduced impact on the environment. I was pleasantly surprised to find it drives just like a normal road vehicle and believe it will play an integral part in our carbon management strategy.’

Phil Bailey, director for Hertel UK and Ireland, added: ‘Fuel consumption is both damaging to the environment and a costly company outlay, so we’re exploring new alternatives such as electric vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. Ultimately, we hope Hertel’s efforts to go green will strengthen our reputation in the eyes of our employees, clients and the general public.’