A NEW electric courier van will deliver savings and energy efficiency as well as parcels and post for East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) iin the new year.

The vehicle, a Nissan E-NV200, will be used daily by staff to run errands and make deliveries across the district. It is part of EHDC’s environment strategy which lays out how the council will bring environmentally-sustainable projects forward.

Costing only two pence per mile to run, it costs much less then a petrol-powered equivalent. And with the council’s own charging points at its Penns Place HQ in Petersfield, it saves staff time in refuelling and administration too.

Adam Carew, EHDC’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “Once again, we are putting our money where our mouth is and leading by example. Electric vehicles are the future. We are looking into all aspects of the council’s services to cut our carbon emissions as part of our exciting and innovative energy strategy.

“Not only is it better for the environment, it will also save tax payers’ money. Used on a daily basis for deliveries and other trips, the van demonstrates operationally it meets the requirements for council business, and emphasises our leadership in environmental sustainability.”

The van is the second electric vehicle bought by the council, following the purchase of a Nissan Leaf in the summer.

Both the car and the van are easily identifiable and have bright livery, supplied by Horndean-based branding company Branditright.

To use EHDC’s charge points, users should register at www.chargeyourcar. org.uk