Fortem – a provider of repairs and maintenance services to the housing sector - is on a mission to convert 10% of its fleet to electric vehicles with Nissan’s market-leading e-NV200 van.

Following a successful trial in 2015, Fortem initially ordered two of the pure electric e-NV200 models for its Rotherham depot, quickly followed by another two at the same site, plus an additional eight vans in Birmingham to be ordered in 2018.

Fortem estimates fuel bill savings of £1,500 a year with its 12 e-NV200s. The goal, however, is to have 20 e-NV200s operating across its seven UK locations by the end of 2018.

The e-NV200 vans already in operation by Fortem, which provides repairs and maintenance services to local authorities and housing associations across the country, are primarily used as pool vehicles for supervisors to carry equipment and are charged when returned to the depots – ready for the next trip.

Roy O’Connor, customer liaison officer at Fortem, said: “We really did our homework before deciding to make the switch to electric but it’s been so easy and the results have been fantastic. We’re already planning to have more e-NV200 vans by the end of 2018 and I see no reason why we won’t add even more in the future.”

As well as reducing its carbon footprint, Fortem is also enjoying lower running, and servicing, costs when compared with the equivalent diesel vehicle.

Simon Timmins, corporate sales manager at Nissan Fleet Sales, said: “The Nissan e-NV200 electric van is a great choice of vehicle for Fortem, offering ample room to transport people and equipment, plus ultra-low running costs.”

Picture caption: Fortem electrical compliance surveyor Stephen Blythe with one of the Nissan vans.