Posted 6th Jan 2023 by Mathew Smith
Woking Community Transport Adds to Its Electric Fleet
1 minute read time
We’re delighted to have delivered two new Maxus eDeliver 9 electric minibuses to Woking Community Transport adding to the LDV EV80 electric minibus it has been operating on its dial-a-ride service over the past three years.
WCT was the first organisation in the UK to receive the original LDV EV80 electric minibus and it is again pioneering, by being the first to put into service the Maxus eDeliver 9 minibus.
The two eDeliver 9 minibuses will undergo extensive testing in the coming months and be used to transport NHS patients and schoolchildren. WCT Chief Executive and Managing Director Guy Padfield-Wilkins said: “The eDeliver 9 is the next generation EV, which will be able to operate on any of our routes, whether that be dial-a-ride, NHS patient transport or home to school, to name but a few”
“The specification we have selected has an extra-high roof and an 88kw battery, capable of providing over 200 miles of range on a single charge.The eDeliver 9 is critical to the goal of WCT operating a zero-emission fleet before 2030.” Guy also commented how pleased he was with the build quality, equipment and ride in the eDeliver9.
It is estimated that the combined CO2, carbon footprint, saving from replacing 18 diesel vehicles with fully electric would be some 140,000 kilogrammes a year.
WCT completes substantially more than 100,000 passenger journeys annually. Core services include dial-a-ride, which covers transportation for social inclusion, hospital and doctor appointments, and shopping, special needs school transport, and transport to special needs centres, including for dementia and autism. It also provides services on behalf of the NHS, including patient transport.
GM’s Mike Smith who delivered the new buses and has been working with WCT throughout the process added:
“It’s been great working with Guy and WCT who are clearly committed to working towards a zero emission fleet. The eDeliver9 works very well as a minibus. The combination of a high roof and spacious interior allied to its 200 mile range makes them a sound choice for organisations like WCT.”