The University of Bristol has taken delivery of four Nissan e-NV200 Combi electric vans this month (August), following a successful trial with the manufacturer.

The fully electric vans were provided by Wessex Garages at Cribbs Causeway and have a list price starting from £13,672.30.

David Tonkin (pictured), estates manager at the University of Bristol, said: “We decided to look in to electric vehicles for a variety of reasons both in the interests of sustainable fleet management and basic operational requirements. 

“Our Print Services team were having difficulties with their existing diesel vehicle, which wasn’t suited to a hilly, city environment with frequent short journeys.”

The university identified further benefits of electric vehicles within its post and maintenance teams, where vehicles never need to venture off-site other than for re-fuelling.

“The vehicles are more suited to the multiple short journeys we take each day, they improve the air quality in our city campus and as they all return to the same spot each night, range isn’t an issue as we can charge them overnight,” added Tonkin. 

On an average day, each vehicle will cover 10-20 miles stopping off at as many as 20 buildings for collections and deliveries.

The University of Bristol has four charging points, one for each van. Three are located next to its Estates Office at Old Park Hill and one is located at Senate House where the post team are based.

Photo caption (left to right): Steve Wonnacott, print production assistant; Rob Collins, mechanical technician; David Tonkin; Brian Thomas, approved electrician (University of Bristol); Kate Hancock, nissan business specialist at Wessex Garages; Keith Cartwright, senior estates assistant at the University of Bristol.