National Windscreens is integrating electric vehicles (EVs) in the mobile repair fleet for five locations across the UK, as part of the long-term strategy to embrace sustainable practices across the business.
In December 2023, National Windscreens successfully trialled two EV Renault Kangoo vans for 10 days. After the success of the trial, the business is implementing ‘Phase 1’ of the journey to bring more electric vehicles into the fleet. The five EV Renault Kangoo vans will be used by mobile repair technicians across the country in Leeds, Birmingham, Leicester, Croydon and Portsmouth.
Shannon Dempsey, fleet manager, said: “We decided to assign these EVs to mobile repair technicians as they don't carry glass, or a large number of tools, which adds extra weight. The fleet team also researched the number of miles each technician drove on average to make sure an EV would be suitable.
“The Renault Kangoo has a range of up to 185 miles depending on weather, travelling speed and other variables. EVs can offer greater efficiency, less noise, lower operating costs, and require less maintenance that internal combustion engines (ICEs). The mobile technicians have been pleased with the performance of the vehicles, and we are excited to see the results moving forward,” said Shannon.
Craig Gibson, ESG manager, said: “Our verified near-term SBTi target requires us to reduce our CO2 emissions by burning fewer fossil fuels. In this case, the diesel used our mobile fleet vehicles. The use of electric vans reduces tailpipe emissions and will enable us to use renewable electricity to power them.
“Sustainability is integrated in every step of our work with vehicle glass. The adoption of EVs within our mobile repair fleet will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to improving air quality. The addition of the EVs to our fleet shows innovation, environmental stewardship, and provides our customers with exceptional, sustainably focused services.
“It’s a very exciting time for the business. The investment in electric vehicles is a significant step forward for the National Windscreens fleet and will help drive towards our ambitious target of reducing emissions by 42% across scopes 1 and 2 by 2030,” said Craig.