Devon councils add 11 electric vehicles to fleet

Councillor Nadine Dommett said last year's trial showed EVs were "reliable and cost-effective"

Two Devon councils have added 11 electric vehicles (EVs) to their shared fleet, after a successful trial last year.

South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council said the move showed their commitment to becoming "low carbon organisations".

It is part of a wider climate programme, with solar panels installed on council facilities and leisure centres, community composting schemes, and an e-bike scheme.

South Hams councillor Nadine Dommett said introducing the EVs was "a win for the environment, for our communities and for future generations".

She said last year's trial showed EVs were "reliable, cost-effective and vital in reducing our carbon footprint".

West Devon councillor Chris West said both councils were "committed to leading by example in our efforts to combat climate change".

West, the council's lead for climate and biodiversity, said: "By investing in electric now and in the future, we are not only improving air quality and reducing emissions, but also demonstrating the practical benefits and reliability of EVs."

A council spokesperson said the trial involved the use of three electric vans for the car parking and localities teams to reduce their carbon emissions.

The councils have a fleet of 70 vehicles for waste services and 46 for community services and these would be replaced with electric vehicles on a rolling basis, they added.