The vans also have an optional heat pump; part of the air conditioning system, it produces heat or cools down the vehicle. Acting like reversible air conditioning, it operates in both capacities while preserving the driving range that is available to SCC’s personnel.  Optional towbars also allow the Council to carry small trailers to help with the vital upkeep of the city’s 49 parks, over 1,100 hectares of open space and cemeteries.

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place, commented: “Southampton City Council set ambitious, challenging goals to help tackle climate change, this includes being a carbon neutral council by 2030. Our Green City Plan published in March, details our approach and principles for the next 10 years. Addressing road transport emissions by reducing the numbers of vehicles on our roads and encouraging drivers to switch to hybrid and electric vehicles is an essential part of our overall strategy. We are leading the way with our Fleet Modernisation Plan, as part of this we are adding the 24 new electric   Renault Kangoo vans to our fleet. As well as helping us reduce emissions, our green energy tariff will mean we are also reducing our carbon footprint. The Renault vans increased battery range offered by this latest generation means our services are not interrupted to accommodate charging needs.”

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are seeing a significant increase in the uptake of Renault electric vehicles by the public sector and it’s pleasing to see such an ambitious council such as Southampton utilise the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 to help it reach its environmental goals. Groupe Renault have been manufacturing electric vans since 2011, and this proven technology allows our business customers to confidently switch to EVs without any concern that protecting their local environment will not be to the detriment of their operational capacity.”