E-Van Set to Hit the Road for Net Zero Rally Challenge

Scottish Water is trialling several different makes and models of fully electric vehicles across the country to test vehicle technology and capabilities - and will this week be putting one of them to the sternest of tests.

Alison Croft, the company’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Transition Project Manager, and Paul Wilkinson, EV Transition Technical Specialist, will be showcasing one of its new electric vehicles as they take part in the Electric Vehicle Rally of Scotland (EVROS) .

The rally is aimed at demonstrating the role that EVs can play in Scottish fleets and how they can improve efficiency, save money, and help fleets reach Net Zero. More than 20 vehicles will set off from Inverness on a two-day, almost 600-mile journey through the Highlands – including the North Coast 500 - and finishing in Edinburgh. 

The route includes some of the rural areas where Scottish Water operates and will demonstrate the electric vehicle and charging capability, with the team using one of Scottish Water’s Fiat E-Scudo vans on the rally.
 
Alison explained why it’s important to take part: “Our team are passionate about our transport decarbonisation journey, engaging with operational teams of drivers, addressing, and alleviating their fears, busting myths and giving them all the information they need to go EV.  

“Taking part in this rally gives us the opportunity to demonstrate what can be achieved with current electric vehicle and charging technology and we’re looking forward to having some fun along the way.”

The winner of the rally, unlike most rallies where it is a simple race to finish first, is calculated based on efficiency of driving.

As part of Scottish Water’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, it has transitioned over 10 per cent of its fleet to EV and has recently purchased 111 FIAT Professional vans.

All the FIAT vans have been converted to ensure they are fit for their intended use, with adaptions including fridges for water samplers, pipe racks, tow bars, hand wash stations, lockers and heaters to ensure Scottish Water personnel can perform their duties efficiently in all weather conditions.

Several of the electric vans are already in use, with some driving over 100 miles per day.

Elaine Pringle, Fleet Manager at Scottish Water, said: “Integrating FIAT Pro’s E-Doblo and E-Scudo vans into our fleet marks a significant step forward in our journey towards decarbonising our fleet. 

“The specialised conversions of these vehicles meet our operational requirements that enable us to provide excellent water and waste water services for our customers, while the addition of electric vans also demonstrates our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net zero by 2040."

Commenting on the rally, Elaine added: “I am looking forward to seeing how the E-Scudo performs in the EVROS and, of course, Alison and Paul as our drivers as they will have a huge role to play in demonstrating energy efficiency through their driving style - no pressure team!  

“Taking part in this event will also give us an opportunity to share experiences with other leading organisations and bring this learning back into our own EV transition."