Purchase of two electric Minibuses 2021

The purpose of this purchase was to allow the evaluation of a small number of EV minibuses ahead of future procurement for vehicles of this type. This will allow Transporting Somerset to gain operational experience with EV vehicles with regard to operating costs vs diesel powered vehicles and practical operating issues around range, maintenance, and customer reaction with a view to future use of this technology. With future decisions pending in relation to EV vehicles it was agreed that we would seek to procure two vehicles before then end of the 2021/22 financial year to allow evaluation to commence as soon as practically possible. Awarded via TPPL Bus purchase framework