Electric truck a first for OIC fleet

Orkney Islands Council is taking to the streets with the first electric vehicle of its kind in Scotland.

The 3.5 tonne pick-up truck will be used by the team that empties litter bins in and around Kirkwall.

It is replacing a similar diesel vehicle that travels around 12,000 miles annually, runs up a £2,600 fuel bill and emits 6.5 tonnes of CO2 each year.

The truck is the second of two electric vehicles to be bought by the council, after the award of £75,000 from Transport Scotland to the Orkney Community Planning Partnership.

Councillor Stephen Hagan commented: “The electric car has proved a great success – and has cut fuel bills greatly for the Council when compared to running a conventional car.

“Now it’s good to see the new truck joining the fleet. Running on electricity means no noise and fumes for pedestrians as it travels around Kirkwall.

“Like the car it also showcases our ambitions to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by encouraging greater use of renewable energy – something Orkney generates in abundance.”