Go Electric: Council continues transition to electric vehicle fleet

24 new electric vehicles (EVs) will become part of Bedford Borough Council's fleet by the end of the financial year. This will mean that 12.5% of the Council's fleet will be electric - almost three times the national average among all local authorities (4.2%). This will lead to greater reductions to the Council's carbon emissions, as fleet transport and business travel make up 34% of the Council's carbon emissions.

Mayor Dave said "We are always looking for ways to reduce our emissions even further. Previously we have made sure our buildings are as energy efficient as possible and now technology has allowed us to make changes to our vehicle fleet."

The Council has the capacity to fast charge up to 40 vehicles at its depots. The majority of local authorities have fewer than 50 charge points in place across public, home and depot locations. Bedford Borough Council has over 100 charging points installed across the Borough with more being installed in the near future. The Council has also extended its partnership with Enterprise Car Club, offering 3 EVs for Council employees to use as pool vehicles for business travel. Additionally, the Council has invested in six electric bikes which can be used by staff for shorter business travel.

Mayor Dave continued "In 2009 we set up the Climate Change Fund to match investments in low carbon solutions across the Borough. In 2019 we declared a Climate Emergency and pledged that the Council will be carbon neutral by 2030. Our investment in to EVs and charging points within the Council and across the Borough are one of the many ways we are seeking to reduce carbon emissions."