UK Power Networks Services has introduced the first electric vehicles (EVs) and charge points into its fleet at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airport depots, and EV charge points at its London City Airport depot.

This follows the announcement that UK Power Networks is trialling eight electric Renault Kangoo vans in its operational fleet, to be powered by on-site solar generation at six locations, to improve air quality for future generations.

The energy solutions company, UK Power Networks Services, operates and maintains the electricity networks at London’s airports. Staff will use the EVs to carry out their work, which will improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions caused by ground transport in and around the airports.

Through the introduction of electric vehicles into the UK Power Networks Services fleet, the company will help the airports reduce their overall carbon emissions and support them in achieving their sustainability ambitions.

UK Power Networks Services are leading the EV trial for the group, collecting valuable data on the performance of the vehicles, identifying future opportunities to increase the number of EVs and gain a better understanding of the economic benefits.

UK Power Networks Services introduced EVs to its fleet following employee and client feedback. Russell Austin from the company’s Heathrow depot said:

"It’s important to start to use EVs around the airport to save money and reduce air pollution. As a substation inspector who drives around the airport, I’m proud to be able to say that I’m helping to reduce carbon emissions.”

Ian Smyth, Director of UK Power Networks Services, said:

“Our clients expect us to lead the way with fleet electrification. This trial will give us valuable data to support the deployment of electric vehicles into fleets of any size.”

The company will also use the insight from the trial to help airports and other fleet operators build their EV strategy and business case to deploy electric vehicles into their fleets.

In a major technological advance, UK Power Networks Services also recently implemented a smart electric vehicle charging system to enable delivery firm UPS to increase the number of 7.5-tonne electric trucks operating from its London site from 65 to all 170. In what is believed to be the first time in the world on this scale, the solution prevented the need for an upgrade to the power supply connection to the grid.