Yorkshire and North East
Zero Emission Vans
Electric van maker Tanfield has revealed a £7m deal to deliver the largest fleet of zero emission vehicles in the world.
The Washington-based company has signed a deal with global distribution firm TNT for the delivery of 100 zero emission, 7.35-tonne electric vehicles.
The deal will see 50 vehicles operating out of TNT’s UK sites, which include Durham, with other Tanfield vehicles currently being piloted in the Netherlands with a view to rolling them out across the whole of Europe.
Tanfield chairman Darren Kell said: “Our vehicles answer the most pressing questions facing urban road transport today, namely rising fuel costs, concern over greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
Yesterday’s fleet launch was endorsed by Minister of State for the Environment Phil Woolas who urged other businesses to follow the green example set by TNT.
He said: “This investment is exactly the type of commitment we need from the private sector in the fight against climate change and I encourage other businesses to take similar steps in identifying positive ways to minimise their CO2 emissions.”
According to TNT, it costs around £40-a-week to power a zero emission vehicle compared to £200 for a diesel-driven vehicle.
Tanfield, which hopes to create 300 new jobs at its North East headquarters this year.
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