UK port operator embraces electric vehicles

ABP has added 12 electric vehicles to its fleet at the Port of Southampton, meaning there are now 28 ABP zero emission vehicles operating around the port, which make up the majority of ABP’s fleet. ABP has committed to run only electric or hybrid vehicles by the end of 2020, where such alternatives to diesel are available.

ABP regional director for Southampton, Alastair Welch, said: “Increasing our electric vehicle fleet is a key strand of our air quality strategy over the next few years.

“We know that air quality in the city has been steadily improving and we are committed to working with the port community and the city council to accelerate these improvements and do our bit to deliver even cleaner air.”

Cutting carbon

With the removal of 14 older diesel vehicles from its fleet, ABP will be eliminating 15t of carbon emissions per year, as the new vehicles will be powered using renewable energy.

The electric vehicle replacement scheme is one of the priorities set out in ABP’s air quality strategy – Cleaner Air for Southampton – published last year.

To support the increase of electric vehicles in the fleet, ABP has also installed additional charging bays at its offices in Southampton, bringing the total number of charging points on the port to more than 70. This includes charging points in the short stay cruise passenger car parks.

As not all port-use vehicles have zero emission replacements, ABP is working with a manufacturer to develop viable alternatives.