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DEPARTMENT RECRUITS ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO ITS FLEET

By IsleOfManAdmin on Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Filed Under: Environment, Isle of Man

Isle News, 10 June 2009 – The Department of Transport is supporting efforts to reduce Government’s carbon footprint by recruiting an electric pick-up van to its fleet of vehicles.

The Piaggio Porter pick-up is the first of its kind in the Isle of Man and is being used at Peel Harbour by the Harbour Keepers as they go about their daily maintenance work, including looking after the new marina and the swingbridge. The Piaggio has a top speed of 30-35mph and can run for approximately 80 miles between charges, taking eight hours to charge its 16 lead gel six-volt batteries using a 13-amp socket.

Juan Turner MLC, Political Member with responsibility for Works, explained: ‘There is no physical difference between the electric pick-up and a traditional small pick-up. It has the same steel body design and capacity and enjoys good acceleration, with the added bonus of zero emissions.

‘The staff who use the vehicle regularly have quickly accepted it as part of the team and say there is very little operational difference between it and a traditional pick-up, other than the electric vehicle only comes as a left-hand drive and is virtually silent.

‘If the Piaggio continues to be a success, we are keen to trial a second electric vehicle at Ramsey Harbour.’

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