Switch EV Project Blog

Phase 1 complete

All 44 Switch EV vehciles have now finished the first phase of the trial. A massive thank you to all of the pioneering trial candidates for taking the brave step of being the first in an EV and for all your feedback over the last 6 months. 

 

We have had excellent feedback from all of our drivers. As with all new things, there are some areas that we hope to improve on for subsequent phases, and some areas that we would like to investigate further. However, we know that the trial has resulted several EVs being purchased, and several people are facing a decision about their next car! 

 

We are now busy preparing and distributing the cars for the second phase, so the NE should see all 44 back on the roads very shortly! 

The Edison Minibus - 100% electric

The Switch EV trial has been provided with a brand new, all electric, Edison minibus. This has been supplied by Smiths Electric Vehicles, the largest manufacturer of commercial, zero emissions, electric vehicles in the world.

The Edison Minibus is the very first 3.5 tonne higher function electric vehicle in the world. It has a very impressive range of 70 miles and, with 7 seats and plenty of luggage space, provides an eco-friendly, multi-purpose option for organisations. It is available from the end of March for a trial period of up to 12 months.

The minibus, shown below, has a top speed of 50mph and can be fully recharged in approximately 8 hours. The full charge will cost less than £5, saving over £175 on fuel for every 1000 miles driven. As the vehicle is being offered on a trial basis, it benefits from a significantly discounted lease cost of £600 p/m, a price that includes fully comprehensive insurance, breakdown cover and technical support from Smith Electric Vehicles.   

          

If you are interested in taking the Edison minibus or for more information please contact a member of the Future Transport Systems team at info@futuretransportsystems.co.uk or call 0191 243 1624