National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has converted the Enyaq electric car into a new 4×4 utility EV with the help of Škoda and vehicle conversion company Strongs.
Working together, the trio have transformed the fully electric family SUV into a light commercial vehicle with all-terrain capability to meet NGED’s fleet needs for its engineering crews.
Kitted out with a lightweight bulkhead, the Enyaq has also been adapted to provide the stowage needed for specialist equipment used by the electricity distribution network operator’s engineers.
High-strength, low-weight plastic materials were used to ensure the vehicle combines rigorous safety with maximum driving range.
Strongs worked closely with Škoda and the DVSA to ensure the Enyaq conversion complied with all relevant standards to allow it to be registered as an LCV and benefit from van taxation rules.
NGED, which distributes electricity to eight million customers in the South West, South Wales and the Midlands, is taking delivery of 70 Enyaqs initially.
The converted LCVs address the challenge of having a clean fuel vehicle that can deliver the performance needed by engineering crews working in demanding conditions.
As part of its corporate commitment to reach net zero by 2050, NGED is moving towards all its vehicles being run on cleaner fuel sources.
Each Enyaq will remove 241g/km of CO2e or 4,820t CO2e per year from NGED’s fleet, the equivalent of planting around 200 trees to offset the CO2 emitted.
The converted Enyaqs join NGED’s growing EV fleet, which currently includes more than 300 fully electric commercial vans and 600 electric company cars. The business recently deployed an additional 56 electric Nissan Leaf cars.
Chris Mayell, NGED transport manager, said: “We have one of the largest fleets in the UK and this vehicle represents an important milestone in its transformation, as well as our commitment to net zero. Thank you to all those involved in making this happen.
“Working with Strongs, we identified the potential of the Enyaq and started thinking creatively about turning it into a fully electric vehicle that meets operational needs for certain job roles, while reducing emissions in the communities we serve.”
Simon Gregory, Strongs director, said: “There were no off-the-shelf solutions within the commercial motor trade that could fulfil this demanding and environmentally challenging list of requirements.
“NGED had to look outside their normal route to market to be able to facilitate their operational requirements. The NGED team were outstanding in enabling us to develop type approval on this unique product and we hope it will continue to find new opportunities for easing one of the biggest challenges in the industry.”
Amy Nash, Škoda area fleet manager for the South West and South Wales, said: “Skoda UK were delighted to be offered the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting new venture. Seeing things differently and finding solutions is something we pride ourselves on and working with NGED to provide a 4×4 EV utility vehicle solution, which is tricky to find in the current market, goes to show how challenging the norm can have brilliant results.
“We are really proud of the work all parties have put in to make this a reality and look forward to seeing how these specially prepared vehicles deliver in their new role.”
