Kent REVS

The Kent REVS project encouraged businesses to reduce their environmental impact by trialling an electric van (EV). 336 businesses in Kent and the South East successfully took part in the trial. 48 vans were available to trial for free in a scheme available to businesses, charities and public sector organisations in Kent and Medway who wished to try before they buy.

Kent County Council secured £1.5 million of Highways England funding for the project. The aim was for organisations to see the benefits and ease of owning and running an EV. The project contributed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 for the county, a key aspiration of the Kent & Medway Energy and Low Emissions Strategy.

Benefits of an electric van

Sustainability is a key consideration for consumers, switching your work vehicle to an EV and demonstrating your business’ values will also:

• save money on fuel and maintenance
• reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in the communities you serve
• get ahead of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030

With Kent REVS, businesses have experienced for themselves what it would be like to own an EV, with many already switching after seeing the benefits for themselves.

A small charity, Spadeworks, run a farm shop, garden centre and café and provide day service for adults with learning disabilities. They used a REVS van for delivering fruit and veg boxes.

Susan Smith, Transport Manager at Farleigh Coaches trialled an electric crew van to reduce their emissions. She said, ‘It has performed really well, it’s definitely educated us and I think we will be investing in electric soon.’