Nissan LEAF Fleet Helps to Drive National Grid's London Power Tunnels Project

MAPLE CROSS, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 25, 2011: International electricity and gas company National Grid has taken delivery of four Nissan LEAFs on a four year/40,000 mile lease contract.

They will act as a pool car fleet for National Grid staff who are delivering a project over the next eight years to construct tunnels that will house a new high voltage electric cabling network for the city of London.

The 100% electric Nissan LEAF will be used around the clock, seven days a week to transport National Grid inspectors between tunnel shaft sites in and around London. The cars were chosen after trials against a selection of rival hybrid cars.

Paul de Jong, Safety & Sustainability Manger for National Grid says: “We are always keen to look at new ways of working to operate in a more sustainable manner, including the way that staff and materials are transported. We wanted to see whether electric vehicles would be suitable for getting around already congested areas in London”. Staff opted for the LEAF’s five door practicality, ride and comfort, while exemption from the Congestion Charge and low running costs were key considerations for the procurement and fleet teams.

“The LEAF is the first EV to join our 2,600 strong car fleet and has already won favour with the staff that will be using the car around the clock,” explained David Morse, National Grid’s fleet operations manager.

“Its combination of zero emissions when in use, low running costs, size and interior space will make it an ideal companion on this world class engineering project,” he added.

Electric charging points are already in place at National Grid sites in Willesden and Hackney to ensure each LEAF is powered and ready for work.

Hitachi Capital has provided the funding for the four vehicles, while Inchcape Fleet Management will manage all other elements of the cars, including servicing and maintenance.

Barry Beeston’s Fleet Sales Director for Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd said: “The LEAF is showing companies like National Grid that there is a place for electric vehicles in a modern day fleet environment. From a corporate perspective LEAF can help reduce a company’s carbon footprint and running costs and is comfortable and well specified to ensure company drivers do not have to compromise when they go for a zero emission solution.”

More than 32km of tunnels will be dug over the coming years to assist National Grid in modernising London’s electricity infrastructure. Each tunnel will be 3-4 metres in diameter and will be constructed between 20 and 60 metres below ground. Once the project is complete, National Grid engineers will be able to inspect and maintain the electricity network around the clock without any disruption to London’s drivers, workers or residents.