New Look Berlingo Electrique Van

Low-emission vehicle specialist Drivelectric Ltd is now marketing the New Look Citroen Berlingo Electrique van. This 500kg payload, all-electric van has proved to be popular for a variety of specialist delivery operations, including meals-on-wheels (an application which saw it become Motor Transport Urban Distribution Vehicle of the Year 2001) in urban and other environmentally sensitive areas.

New Look Citroen Berlingo Electrique vans are priced from £15,345 + VAT, including batteries. This price can be reduced by 25 per cent thanks to a Government grant. Standard equipment includes electric windows, power steering, remote central locking, two pedal control and a nearside sliding side load door. The New Look Berlingo Electrique van has the same large 3.0cu.m load volume as the diesel/petrol-powered versions. The 27-nicad batteries that power the Berlingo Electrique are located under the bonnet and under the rear load compartment floor. The Berlingo Electrique has a top speed of 60mph and, depending on operating conditions, has a practical range of up to 60 miles.

London-based Drivelectric provides a wide range of general vehicle sales, leasing and servicing, management consultancy, strategy and marketing for electric and other environment-friendly vehicles. Drivelectric director, Jonathan Shine, explains, "There has been an increasing level of interest in low emissions vehicles which now have major cost-saving advantages – particularly in London. Here, the Berlingo Electrique van has an impressive set of financial benefits. One of our customers, a florist, will save £18,000 in less than three years on parking meter charges in Westminster alone."

Citroen Berlingo Electrique vans used in London also have the potential to deliver a wide range of other massive financial benefits. These include exemption from the London Congestion Charge, which can be worth up to £1,300 pa, savings of up to £6,785 pa on Westminster and City of London Car park charges and the potential to save thousands of pounds per year on metered parking charges in Westminster and the City of London, as well as reduced residents’ parking fees in some London boroughs.