A-Plant is introducing The Edison electric van into its delivery fleet.

The van, designed and built by Smith Electric Vehicles, is based on the Ford Transit and is powered by a 90kw motor, providing a top speed of 50mph.

Power to drive the motor is from two suitcase-sized sodium nickel chloride batteries producing a range of up to 100 miles on one charge.

A-Plant is trialling the van in its rental equipment delivery fleet in London.

“A-Plant is dedicated to examining every opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Shaun Winstanley, director of transport for A-Plant.

“Electric vehicles such as the Smith Edison have the potential to significantly lower the environmental impact of our equipment deliveries and collections, while also providing a benefit to our bottom line.”

As a pure electric vehicle, Edison qualifies for free road fund licence – and exemption from the London congestion charge – plus lower “fuel” and maintenance costs.

This all adds up to an attractive whole life cost proposition.

“Taken over a typical five year vehicle life, our vehicles are considerably cheaper than the diesel equivalent,” Kevin Harkin, sales director of Smith Electric Vehicles, said.

“This calculation is based on diesel prices at the pump remaining stable, which is not going to happen.

"Every time oil prices increase, our electric vehicles become a more attractive proposition to commercial fleet operators.”