RENAULT is running an electric van ‘try before you buy’ scheme with Kent County Council in partnership with Highways England.

It is aimed at providing Kent and Medway businesses with an insight into making the transition from a conventional ICE-powered commercial vehicle to an all-electric version.

Kent County Council has taken delivery of 20 electric Renault Kangoo E-Tech and four Renault Zoe Vans for its new Kent Realising Electric Vans Scheme (REVS), through which local businesses can enjoy a free trial of one of the award-winning light commercial vehicles for up two months.

Kent REVS is being operated by Commercial Services Kent (CSKL), with the ultimate aim of reducing carbon emissions and air pollution across the county’s road network and to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles throughout the region.

Notably, and in line with the goal of this year’s Clean Air Day to highlight the impact of air pollution on the health of children, the introduction of the scheme’s electric vans with zero tailpipe emissions will help to reduce roadside pollution that youngsters can be particularly susceptible to.

The rationale is that more businesses will be more likely to convert their fleets to electric if they have an opportunity to try the vehicles for an extended period, before committing to a purchase or long-term lease.

Highways England has provided £1.5 million funding for the two-year initiative, with the eventual aim that Kent REVS will have a fleet of 48 EVs available for trial. As part of the funding, and to aid with the efficient charging of the new Renault vans, CSKL has installed new charge points at its operating bases in New Hythe and Kings Hill, with a further 10 rapid chargers planned for other publicly accessible locations across the County.

The installation complements Kent County Council’s plans to increase the number of EV charging points for businesses and the public across the county.

The launch follows the successful implementation of a similar scheme by Leeds City Council in 2020, which was also funded by Highways England and features 20 Renault Kangoo E-Tech vans. Kent REVS also supports Kent County Council’s drive for net-zero emissions for its estate and operations by 2030.