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THE REALITY OF GREEN FLEETS IN THE UK
Over the past few months, we’ve been taking a closer look at how UK councils are progressing towards greener fleets, and the results have been eye-opening.
Our recent research, based on data from more than 100 local authorities, revealed huge differences in how councils are embracing hybrid and electric vehicles. While some in the south such as Somerset, Sussex, and Kent are leading the way with 50–75% of their fleets now green, others, including Birmingham, Luton, and Gosport, still report 0% hybrid or electric vehicles.
These figures show that while progress is being made, the journey to net zero is far from even. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about big, long-term targets, it’s about the small, achievable steps we can take right now.
At Aldercote, we’re focused on exactly that kind of progress. Our E-Drive system, now in its fifth year, allows our vehicle-mounted access platforms to operate without the vehicle engine running. The system cuts up to 1.5 tons of CO2 per year per vehicle, while reducing fuel consumption, engine wear, and noise pollution.
E-Drive is fitted as standard across all Aldercote vehicles, meaning every unit we build delivers lower emissions and greater efficiency from day one.
While electric vans aren’t yet a cost-effective option for every fleet, E-Drive proves that practical, immediate innovation can make a real difference today. Every council, utility company, and contractor has the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, one small change at a time.
Posted on 25th Nov 2025 08:30:20 by surrect.media 0 comments
Tags: Sustainability, Hybrid Vehicles, E-Drive, Local Authorities.
E-DRIVE - OUR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
E-Drive is our self-charging hybrid electric system. It’s pioneering technology and, we believe, the future for access platforms. No more idling engines, and the battery recharges in transit, so no time lost.
Cleaner. Quieter. Faster. Less cost.
YOUR BENEFITS
- Lower carbon footprint - Engine is off whilst platform is in operation.
- Fuel and maintenance savings - Save on fuel costs, and costly engine services (oil changes and DPF repairs); now milage, not engine hours will control service schedule.
- Quieter - Reduced noise pollution benefits both the operator and the immediate environment.
- Faster platform speed - Increases productivity and performance efficiency.
- Smooth operations - vibration-free for the operator, as engine is not running.
- Millimetre accuracy - Compared to conventional, diesel-operated engine driven systems.
- Improved vehicle security - Vehicle doors can be locked using normal key whilst working as engine is turned off; saves on expensive key-out systems.
THE STARTING POINT
An idling van burns a litre of diesel per hour. This means that a PTO driven access platform on a conventional 3.5t diesel van will burn about 600 litres of fuel a year and generate 1.5 tons of CO2, on top of all the smoke and toxic pollutants.
An engine uses about 10kW of power on tick-over which is far more than is needed. The graph below shows the power required to raise our VZ140 to maximum height, pause for 26 seconds, and then return to the ground.
The average over the cycle is only 800W. If the time spent at full reach is 3 minutes, the average requirement falls to 250W.
90-98% of fuel is wasted with diesel engines
WHAT ABOUT ELECTRIC MOTORS?
Conventional electric systems are better. The motor doesn’t run when there is no demand, and it needs less power if the pressure is low.
However, like an engine, the motor pumps oil at a fixed rate, even if it’s not all needed. The un-used flow is pressurized and returned to the tank without doing any work.
JOIN OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Aldercote E-Drive works differently. We only pump the oil that we need. This eliminates waste, which lets us use smaller batteries and gives us far more control than before. This means faster, smoother movement and millimetre accuracy.
Our batteries power up to twenty cycles and recharge quickly during transit, meaning there is never any need to plug in. They are light-weight so payload is the same as with a conventional system.
Using the best available components, in the most efficient way, makes the system exceptionally quiet. As shown below, peak noise is no higher than 55dB, which is similar to an office conversation.
Posted on 27th Jul 2023 14:57:56 by christine.bettinson 0 comments
Tags: battery-operated access platform, Sustainable solution, E-Drive.
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