- In a collaboration between the UK’s National Grid, Skoda, and vehicle conversion company, Strongs, the energy firm will take delivery of 70 Skoda Enyaq EVs, specially configured for the requirements of National Grid’s Energy Distribution fleet.
- The Enyaqs have been converted into a light commercial vehicle, with the rear of the car stripped out, allowing for the large amount of storage needed for National Grid’s workers.
- These new EVs will join the 300-plus electric vans and 600 electric company cars within National Grid’s fleet.
Skoda Enyaq EVs converted from passenger cars into LCVs
With the changes made to these new Enyaqs by Strong, which include a bulkhead, and all the other standards needed to classify a car as a light commercial vehicle, the new fleet are actually registered as LCVs under the UK’s Driving Standards agency – giving the firm the tax benefits of electric vans, but in a more compact electric car body, along with the impressive range figure that the Enyaq comes with, out of the factory. The Enyaq was also chosen as a starting base thanks to its four-wheel-drive system, allowing it to be used in the challenging all-terrain conditions faced by National Grid’s engineering crews.
With 70 Enyaqs being delivered initially, suggesting that even more could enter the fleet at a later date, National Grid Energy Distribution estimates that each Enyaq added will remove 241g/km of CO2 equivalent, from its fleet.
Chris Mayell, National Grid Energy Distribution’s Transport Manager, commented:
“We have one of the largest fleets in the UK and this vehicle represents an important milestone in its transformation, as well as our commitment to net zero. Thank you to all those involved in making this happen. Working with Strongs, we identified the potential of the Enyaq and started thinking creatively about turning it into a fully electric vehicle that meets operational needs for certain job roles, while reducing emissions in the communities we serve.”
Amy Nash, Skoda Area Fleet Manager for South West and South Wales, added:
“Skoda UK were delighted to be offered the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting new venture. Seeing things differently and finding solutions is something we pride ourselves on and working with NGED to provide a 4×4 EV utility vehicle solution, which is tricky to find in the current market, goes to show how challenging the norm can have brilliant results. We are really proud of the work all parties have put in to make this a reality and look forward to seeing how these specially prepared vehicles deliver in their new role.”
