Midlothian Council and NHS Lothian have taken delivery of three all-electric Nissan e-NV200 vans.

The vehicles have been supplied by local Nissan car dealership Alex F Noble & Son, which is based at Straiton, Loanhead.

Councillor Derek Rosie, Midlothian’s cabinet member for transport, said: “This is a great example of partnership working.

“The council and the NHS, based at the new community hospital in Bonnyrigg, are leasing the all-electric vans with the help of the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Scheme.

“As a council, we now have eight electric vehicles, including three pool cars. These vehicles are not only greener, thereby helping to cut Midlothian’s carbon footprint, but they are also cost effective. For example, fully charging the battery is just £2.08 with estimates suggesting this will equate to basic running costs of 2 pence a mile”.

The e-NV200 vans, which are automatic and cost around £3,500 a year to lease, run for around 80 miles before the batteries need recharged. The vehicles also recharge their battery as it slows and efficient driving can have a major effect on the range that the vehicle can be operated.

Cllr Rosie added: “The new van will be great for moving around council records and goods.”

 NHS Lothian is also using its two new vans for transporting records.

Cabinet member for commercial operations, Councillor Jim Bryant said: “We are very proud of our commitment to being greener. The vehicles too, are great to drive. Our pool cars are going down well with staff once they get the feel of driving one.”

Picture caption: Jim Rowan, EV specialist at Alex F Noble & Son (left) handing over the keys of the e-NV200 vans to Brian Robb, Area Soft FM Manager at NHS Lothian