Nymans Gardens in West Sussex has purchased an Alke ATX200E battery-powered utility truck for general maintenance around the 115-year-old National Trust site.

The vehicle is powered by 100% renewable energy, through the Trust’s green electricity tariff, meaning it generates practically no CO2 emissions.

Head gardener Ed Ikin said: “We already use a battery-powered mower, so an electric truck felt like a natural progression. Electric vehicles and tools are cleaner, quieter and less obtrusive, helping us to lower our carbon footprint and look after the gardens in the most sustainable way.”

Nymans purchased the Alke ATX200E truck from ePower Trucks. Fully battery-powered, the ATX200E is a lightweight, compact utility vehicle with a 530kg payload and can tow up to 2,000kg. The vehicle’s batteries and electric motor provide a range of 40 miles on a single charge.

Nymans Gardens has a strong environmental policy; later this year, it plans to install its own solar panels, meaning its electric truck will be powered by energy harvested on site.

The ATX200E costs circa 4p per mile in electricity to run. The simplicity of the electric motor means that maintenance requirements - and costs - are also a lot lower than on a diesel truck.

Jerry Hanss, managing director of ePower Trucks, said: “Electric utility vehicles can provide substantial benefits for large historic sites. Our products are much cleaner, more efficient and far more cost-effective than diesel utility trucks.”