24 electric vans have been added to Southampton City Council’s fleet as part of their plan to tackle climate change.

The new electric vans will replace existing diesel vehicles and use 100% renewable energy.

The Renault Kangoo vans are part of the council’s commitment to its Green City Plan, published in March, to tackle climate change. The vans will be used for services such as Neighbourhood Wardens and Waste Operations teams.

New charging units were installed at the City Depot site as part of the ongoing investment in electric vehicles (EVs) infrastructure in Southampton.

Elsewhere, 48 charging points have been installed in car parks in the city centre, Bitterene and Woolston, with charging currently free for an introductory period.

Drivers of EVs also have access to 90% discount for selected city centre car parks and free passage on the Itchen Toll Bridge.

The council hope to decrease the number of vehicles on the road and encourage drivers to switch to hybrid or electric cars.

Councillor Steve Leggett, Cabinet Member for Green City and Place said: “Southampton City Council set ambitious, challenging goals to help tackle climate change, this includes being a carbon neutral council by 2030. We are leading the way with our Fleet Modernisation Plan, the 24 vans are the part of an investment plan to increase the numbers of zero and low emission vehicles we operate across Southampton.

“We are encouraging residents and business to review their impact on the environment, we know that small, simple changes can make a difference to our carbon footprints.”

Vincent Tourette, Managing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “We are seeing a significant increase in the uptake of Renault electric vehicles by the public sector and it’s pleasing to see such an ambitious council such as Southampton utilise the Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 to help it reach its environmental goals.”