Builders’ Merchants Sovini Trade Supplies have partnered with SYMPHONY Electric Vehicles as part of their sustainable transport scheme following a successful bid to install Electric Charging Points at their Aintree depot.

The two Charging Points are part of Merseytravel’s latest Capital Grant scheme which is set to provide a boost to the infrastructure and accessibility of Electric Vehicles in the workplace.

Merseytravel’s Workplace Charge Point programme is aimed at increasing the number of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (EV) across the region.

The charging point was provided thanks to a grant from the Local Growth Fund.  Local Growth Funding is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its Strategic Investment Fund.

Northern Housing’s 2018 Supplier of the Year, Sovini Trade Supplies, introduced Electric Vehicles to their fleet this year as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility pledge (CSR).

The zero carbon emission, eNV200 Nissan Van which was supplied by SYMPHONY Electric Vehicles supports the company’s day to day operations transporting deliveries to the repairs and maintenance and construction industry. Sovini Trade Supplies is the first builders’ merchants in the City Region to introduce zero emission deliveries which is part of the company’s sustainable transport programme.

The introduction of Electric Vehicles to the fleet will note a significant cost savings to the company alongside the added benefits to the environment. The 100% Electric Vehicles are road tax exempt and cost just £2.00per 100 miles to run.

Alan Evans, Regional Operations Manager at Sovini Trade Supplies, said, “Sovini Trade Supplies is committed to implementing pioneering new methods to ensure our Corporate Social Responsibility is upheld. This year we decided to invest in Electric Vehicles which has not only provided benefits to the environment but also offers financial savings too. Following a successful bid to Merseytravel we are delighted to have worked in partnership with SYMPHONY Electric Vehicles to install a Charging Point at our Aintree store. We are working to introduce more Electric Vehicles to our growing fleet in 2019.”

John Robinson, Director of SYMPHONY Electric Vehicles, added “We are delighted to support Sovini Trade Supplies in their sustainable transport restructure, adding zero carbon emission vehicles to their growing fleet and installing Charging Points at their depot. More and more fleets are converting to 100% Electric Vehicles, this will help our overall ambition in making Liverpool one of the lowest carbon cities in Europe.”

The charging point which is located at Sovini Trade Supplies, Aintree Racecourse Retail & Business Park, is now available for exclusive use to the company’s staff and visitors. Sovini Trade Supplies are set to roll out the charging point scheme at their Ellesmere Port and Eccles stores.