鈥橳he University of Southampton has boosted its ecological commitment by being the first university in the UK to use the world鈥檚 best鈥搒elling electric van.
Two GEM electric vans have been bought by the University鈥檚 estates and facilities department to transport heavy loads around the campuses. The new vehicles are so small and quiet that they can access parts of the University that were previously inaccessible to cars.
More than 40鈥�000 vehicles have already been sold worldwide and are being used by police forces, the military and NASA.
Being road legal, 100 per cent electric and creating zero emissions, the new environmentally-friendly vehicles enhance the University鈥檚 green credentials.
聽The University of Southampton鈥檚 Repairs Service Manager Jason Wyatt says: 鈥淭hese vans will be a huge boost to the effectiveness and quality of the work that our department does around the University.
聽鈥淭heir small size and quietness means we will be able to transport staff, tools and materials to previously inaccessible areas of the campuses.
鈥淭his is important as it strengthens our commitment to improve the health and safety of the manual handling of heavy goods.
鈥淲e are also very keen to be as environmentally-friendly as possible and the GEM vans are the perfect solution to achieve this.鈥�