DriveElectric, who are a leading electric vehicle leasing company, is supplying the electric cars and vehicles to the Orkney smart energy island project called ReFLEX (responsible flexibility) Orkney. The island, which already generates over 100 percent of its electricity demand annually from renewables, will take advantage of its renewable energy potential through a range of zero-emissions transport.
The ReFLEX project demonstrates flexibility in the energy system by using smart technologies such as batteries, electric vehicles, smart chargers and smart meters. Orkney residents and businesses will be offered affordable lease financing on electric cars helping customers to avoid large upfront costs.
To increase the uptake ReFLEX has a leasing model that offers a wide range of market-leading electric cars and vehicles, with strong financial incentives for early adoption. Vehicles will range from superminis through to estate cars including Renault ZOEs and Teslas, along with a variety of vans. All will be supplied by DriveElectric and available for test drives on the island. Lease models, including those with longer-range, will also be available for trips off the island.
DriveElectric won the work as a result of its experience with electric cars and vehicles and charging projects including My Electric Avenue and Electric Nation. ReFLEX has also introduced new 100 percent renewable electricity tariffs for Orkney residents, which will help link energy technologies with ReFLEX’s integrated energy system, FlexiGrid.
Mike Potter, Managing Director, DriveElectric, said: “We are delighted to be working with ReFLEX Orkney to supply electric cars for the island. DriveElectric isn’t just a vehicle leasing company, we also have extensive experience in the areas of charging and renewable energy. This project is another example of our unique expertise in bringing together vehicles and energy to reduce emissions and create more sustainable communities.”
Gareth Davies, Managing Director of ReFLEX Orkney Ltd said: “We are pleased to be working with DriveElectric to encourage early adoption of low carbon technologies including electric vehicles. This is very timely with the UK government recently announcing an end of the sale of new petrol and diesel and cars by 2030 as part of an ambitious plan for a green industrial revolution, and yet again Orkney is ahead of the curve, ready to demonstrate to the nation how it can be done.”
