EQUIPMENT rental company A-Plant is introducing the world’s first high performance electric van into its delivery fleet.

The Edison, designed and built by Smith Electric Vehicles, is based on the Ford Transit body shell but is 100% battery powered.

The A-Plant model has a 90kw motor, providing fast acceleration and a top speed of 50mph, with two suitcase-sized sodium nickel chloride batteries producing a range of up to 100 miles on one charge.

A-Plant has bought its first Edison for trials in its rental equipment delivery fleet in London.

The test vehicle is part of A-Plant’s commitment to reduce emissions from its delivery fleet.

Designed for intra-city applications, the Smith Edison is the only high performance electric vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of under 3,500kg – this is crucial as it means that anyone with a regular UK driving licence can get behind the wheel.

A-Plant is the first company in its sector to deploy such an all-electric van.

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

"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.”