| As an exciting and potentially massive contributor to the fight against climate change, electric vehicles, or ZEV’s (this will eventually also include hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles), are only just beginning to gather momentum. Bridgegreen want to be at the forefront of bringing this exciting technology to a wider audience. |
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| Until quite recently the electric vehicle market was more or less limited to specialist vehicles such as milk floats and on-site handling equipment for factories and airports, for example. In the 1990’s manufacturers such as General Motors spent heavily on developing state of the art electric vehicles and even ran pilot leasing programmes for relatively large numbers of cars. However the relatively low and stable oil price meant that interest waned and R&D was scaled right back. |
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In recent years we have seen increasing concern about climate change and a general acceptance that the world has, or is about to, experience a peaking of its oil production (half of the planet’s reserves have been used up leaving reserves which are much more expensive and less efficient to exploit). This is known as Peak Oil and is a subject which is likely to get very much media coverage over the next few years. Compounding this, conflict in the Middle East and concerns about energy security and the seemingly unquenchable thirst that China is developing for all forms of natural resources, mean that oil (and other natural resource) prices have been on a rapid upward trajectory for the past two years with many analysts predicting that this will continue in the long term.
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| Against this backdrop interest ZEV’s such as electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has been growing and it is entirely possible that these vehicles could represent a substantial proportion of the total vehicle market in the medium to long term. Given that the bulk of driving in the developed world is predominantly urban, the distances travelled tend to be relatively low, and that average speeds in cities are so low (in London it is 14 mile per hour), the opportunity for electric vehicles is immense. Criticism of electric vehicles has always been around their speed, range and lack of electrical storage capability. In an urban environment these need not be serious concerns. Indeed advances in battery technology, such as the adoption of Lithium Ion batteries, are meaning that the vehicles will be lighter and have a much improved range. |
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Electric commercial vehicles offer similar but arguably greater advantages than those of electric cars. Whilst not suitable for long range deliveries for example, in an urban environment with predictable and repetitive driving patterns (for example city based deliveries), they potentially offer significant advantages over more traditional commercial vehicles. These include:
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Cost effective |
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Excellent stop / start performance with less need for associated maintenance |
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Significantly less moving parts reducing maintenance requirements |
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Distinctive and appealing styling |
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Environmental benefits improve your company’s green credentials |
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A number of important new models, such as the excellent Transit sized Modec, have been launched recently meaning that operators now have access to very advanced technology. Indeed certain manufacturers have seen significant orders being placed.
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A number of other manufacturers also offer models which cover the market from small vans, dropsides and tippers up to vehicles such as the Modec and Smith products.
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Whilst we are passionate about the environment we are also committed to great customer service. We make the whole process simple for our customers:
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We’ll listen to your requirements carefully |
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We’ll advise you on the most appropriate method of funding to suit your particular circumstances |
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We’ll give you helpful and impartial advice on the most suitable choice of vehicle |
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We’ll locate your vehicle of choice for you (we have an extensive network of dealers across the UK) |
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We’ll handle all of the liaison with the dealer |
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We’ll arrange all aspects of the financing of the vehicle |
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We’ll keep you regularly updated on delivery dates, etc |
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We’ll arrange delivery to a specified location of your choosing |
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We’re always available to answer any queries you may have and we’re committed to working with you for the long term |
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As the price of fuel continues to rise, and congestion charging is introduced into more cities, the business benefits of electric commercial vehicles will increase. Whilst your business may not have ever considered this technology, we’d encourage you to think about what it could do for you. Please contact us if you’d like further information on the vehicles and the funding packages Bridgegreen can offer.
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