Dundee City Council's Pioneering Role in Scotland's Electric Vehicle Fleet Development
In the Scottish city of Dundee, a significant transformation is underway as Dundee City Council embarks on a mission to electrify its fleet and combat climate change.
The council's ambitious project, aimed at achieving complete decarbonisation by 2032, has already made a substantial impact on the city's air quality. Since the introduction of its first battery electric vehicles in 2011, 40% of the council's cars and vans are now battery powered, collectively covering over 8 million kilometres.
One of the key figures driving this change is Fraser Crichton, the Corporate Fleet Manager responsible for Dundee City Council's electric vehicle fleet and public charging stations. Under his leadership, the council's all-electric fleet has saved more than 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The council's electric fleet has also proven to be cost-effective. Recharging costs in the electric fleet are lower than diesel costs, and service and maintenance expenditure is proving to be 30-35% cheaper. By 2030, the conversion of all 36 bin lorries to electric is expected to save an estimated 720,000 kg of CO2.
The council's EVs are equipped with individual charging key fobs, allowing for controlled charging practices. In addition, the council's static batteries recharge from the grid at off-peak times when tariffs are cheaper.
Dundee City Council's commitment to electrification extends beyond its own fleet. The council has shared its charging infrastructure with local EV fleets, including the Royal Mail and a logistics firm. The council's new charging depot, completed last year, offers a ratio of 25 slow 7kW chargers, two 50kW chargers, and one 100kW charger.
Moreover, the council's bin lorries may play a role in the charging resilience of the city via vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This innovative approach could potentially store excess energy from the grid during periods of low demand and release it back into the grid during peak demand, contributing to a more sustainable energy system.
The council's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over 10,000 commercial vehicle operators have signed up to the council's ECO Stars fleet recognition scheme, demonstrating a wider commitment to sustainable transport in the city.
In the taxi sector, more than 230 taxis are transitioning to electric vehicles, further reducing Dundee's carbon footprint. The council is also covering its depots with solar canopies and second-life battery storage systems, harnessing renewable energy to power its operations.
While challenges remain, such as recruiting EV-trained mechanics for the council's workshops, Dundee City Council's commitment to electrification is undeniable. The city is setting an example for other local authorities and businesses, demonstrating that a sustainable future is within reach.
