Many of our original corporate customers are evolving their fleets to incorporate the new hybrid technologies we are developing for them...

North Ayrshire Council has continued to show its commitment to the environment by purchasing a fleet of seven new eco-friendly vans, making it the proud owner of the largest hybrid van fleet in Scotland.

Councillor Tom Barr, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “The purchase of this fleet of hybrid vans once again shows the Council’s commitment to energy efficiency.

“It is important to remember that the benefits of energy efficiency are twofold. Not only do we ensure that we are doing our best to save the environment from the effects of carbon emissions – we are saving money while doing so. This is especially important at a time when finances are tight.

“Should the new eco vans prove a success, they could be extended across the Council’s transport fleet.”

...just some quick feed back concerning our new Ashwood’s hybrid transits. Usually, local authority drivers are very sceptical about new Eco Friendly technology adapted for their vehicles. Saying that, 100 % of the feed back we have received has been very positive and all drivers are very impressed with performance and economy.

Alan Dewhirst - Senior Fleet and Transport Officer
Liverpool City Council

Could I take this opportunity to praise yourselves and indeed the product. The Hybrid installation carried out by yourselves is of a standard I have quite rarely witnessed, I have taken the opportunity to drive one of the vehicles myself and was most impressed with the driver interface in relation to the Ashwood conversion, as with new vehicles of this type our Transport staff will evaluate its savings and whole life costs, giving my initial findings I'm sure the vehicles will be an asset to the authority and look forward to working with yourselves in the future, if this is the standards that Ashwoods aspire to you have set it high.

Richard Speight - Fleet Engineer - Doncaster M B Council

We’ve really enjoyed working with Ashwoods on implementing their technology in our fleet. The LCVPP has given us the opportunity to use the programme funding to rigorously examine how hybrid technology will benefit our fleet operations. Working with Cenex and the LCVPP has allowed us to engage with other fleet operators to share the lessons we are learning. So far, it’s been a very positive experience.

Graham Patrickson - Environment Agency

During a recent trial of the Ashwoods Hybrid, East Renfrewshire community services were pleased to note a significant increase in mpg. A comparative vehicle on their fleet sees approximately 25mpg whilst the Ashwoods vehicle returned 34mpg. This shows an increase of 26%.

East Renfrewshire Council have received a grant from the Scotland Sustainable Transport Team, this is will be used to purchase Ashwoods Hybrid vans. The vehicles will be purchased early next year, this will allow extensive evaluation of the Ashwoods Hybrid Technology.

Gordon Moffatt of East Renfrewshire Council Environment Department

UKBA are very excited to be in partnership with Ashwoods. The introduction of the vehicles has allowed UKBA to introduce alternative energy vehicles onto its fleet and has helped UKBA reach their CO2 reduction targets. UKBA are looking forward to working with Ashwoods on future projects and are looking to retro fit Ashwoods units to new and current fleet vehicles as technology progresses.

Ashwoods are currently working with BT Openreach’s vehicle development specialist Steve Watson on an extended trial which has involved a number of vehicles within their large fleet in rural and urban service delivery. “Results to date have been promising.”

As part of Bardon Contracting's strategy on a 20% reduction in CO2, a series of vehicle trials and fuel saving opportunities are being explored; a recent trial of the Ashwoods Hybrid Transits Van showed an impressive 37% improvement to 30.7mpg compared to the standard diesel transits of 22.4mpg operating under similar conditions.

From my perspective, when returning the vehicle to you, I found the Transit to be a responsive and comfortable drive. The hybrid system complimented the diesel engine extremely well and as it is simple to use, did not distract from driving itself. As this system can obviously provide more fuel efficient vehicles for commercial operations and within a pricing structure that would be competitive within this market, I feel this is a system to be looked at seriously.