Up to 500 hybrid commercial vehicles will be available to purchase under a Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP) this year.
Ashwoods Automotive, which produces Transit-based hybrids including Panel vans, Chassis Cabs, Dropsides and Tippers, is warning customers to order quickly as demand is likely to outstrip supply.
The Exeter-based firm offers the hybrid vehicles to the public sector, with a grant from the Office for Low Emission (OLEV) covering the difference in price between the hybrid model and a conventional diesel model. With OLEV providing just 1.7 million in funding in the second phase of the LCVPP this year, orders for the low emission vans need to be placed by March 31, 2012.
Transport Minister Norman Baker explained: "We need to work hard to reduce emissions from all sectors of transport and the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme plays an essential role. This funding of up to £1.7m will mean a further 500 low carbon vans can be purchased by public fleet buyers."
Ashwoods’ retro-fitted hybrid system is considered to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent compared to the standard non-hybrid model. Based on 20,000 miles per annum and current fuel prices, deploying 500 hybrid Transits would save the public purse £1.4m and lower carbon emissions by 1,072 tonnes over three years.
Mark Roberts, Managing Director of Ashwoods Automotive, said: "This is a huge opportunity for local authorities, NHS trusts and other public bodies to lower fuel bills and meet their targets to cut their carbon emissions.
Any public sector body can apply for the subsidy. There is no limit on how many vehicles each organisation can order, with Ashwoods taking orders on a first come, first served basis.
Phase One of LCVPP saw almost 200 hybrid and all-electric vans delivered to a range of councils, Government agencies and universities. Out of the four suppliers permitted in Phase One, only Ashwoods qualified for Phase Two. Phase One was restricted to panel vans. For Phase Two, fleets can benefit from the firm’s full range including Chassis Cabs, Dropsides and Tippers.
The Ashwoods Hybrid Transit is Britain’s best selling hybrid LCV.
