More electric cars ordered by NHS Highland
NHS Highland is investing in more electric vehicles to further reduce the health board’s carbon footprint.
The health board has placed an order for two Hyundai Ioniq hybrid cars and five Vauxhall Corsa EVs.
This follows on from the introduction of five BMW i3 (Range Extender) electric cars and a number of Renault Kangoo Z.E. electric vans into service in the last 12 months.
The new electric vehicles will be deployed in the pool car fleet.
Health chiefs have said it will result in a reduction on mileage expense claims for the use of non-company vehicles for business travel, as well as reducing the board’s carbon footprint.
NHS Highland’s head of procurement and logistics Neil Stewart said: “We look forward to taking delivery of the new vehicles which have an excellent range.
"The Vauxhall Corsa EV range is over 200 miles and the Hyundai Ioniq hybrids can travel in excess of 30 miles on electric and switch between petrol and electric automatically.”
He added: “The cars are funded through a government initiative called 'Switched on Fleets' which supports organisations that intend to replace fossil fuelled vehicles.
"We consider the cars to be a long-term investment which will make savings for the health board, not to mention the numerous environmental advantages of using electric vehicles.”
“Healthcare is a major cause of pollutants and there is a responsibility on us to reduce this. As a board, HNS Highland is committed to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. These vehicles will play a key role in helping us achieve that aim.”
The move towards a more environmentally-friendly vehicle fleet is just one measure on NHS Highland’s green agenda.
Initiatives in delivery include reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
NHS Highland is also reducing carbon through other initiatives to cut waste production by increased recycling, reducing water usage and implementing web-based technologies to cut down on travel both for staff and patients.
