Reducing Carbon emissions remains a top priority for Falkirk Council as it aims to be net Carbon neutral by 2030 as part of its declaration of a climate emergency.
Helping with this are the introduction of two new minibuses and 40 electric cars and vans to be used across the area.
The vehicles have been purchased thanks to combined funding of over £2.57 million from the Scottish Government’s ‘Switched on Towns and Cities’ and ‘Switched on Fleet’ schemes.
Costs to run electric cars are and equivalent 2p per mile compared with 10p for a petrol car. They are zero emission, meaning they help respond to the climate emergency and improve air quality.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for the Environment said: “We have already been using electric vehicles for some time but this new Scottish Government scheme has allowed us to expand our fleet easily.
“While COVID-19 has seen less journeys being made, there is still a need to travel short distances throughout the Falkirk area for employees to be out and about in local communities.
“The drive to become carbon neutral will certainly be helped by the arrival of these new vehicles.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“Falkirk Council continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership through its response to the climate emergency. Falkirk already benefits from one of the largest EV charging hubs in Scotland at Falkirk Stadium and this further award of £2.57 million will accelerate the Council’s ambitions for a cleaner and greener fleet.
“This step supports our newly updated Climate Change Plan, in addition to our Programme for Government commitment to phase out the use of petrol and diesel cars and vans from the public sector fleet by 2025.”
Adam Watson, Transport Planning Officer said: “The new minibuses will be used across local communities to transport adults with physical and learning disabilities to different day centres. They are fully adaptable for all passengers and have a range of around 100 miles.”
“There are also plans to see a new electric car club set up and provide 10 cars for public use.”
Funding from Scottish Government is also helping to pay for the installation of 106 electric vehicle charging bays across the Council area.